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Coast Guard, Air Force, FEMA ensure delivery of medical supplies to American Samoa

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Amanda Wyrick | Cmdr. James Willingham, HC-130 Hercules airplane pilot, flies into Pago Pago, American...... read more read more

BARBERS POINT, HI, HI, UNITED STATES

04.03.2020

Story by Chief Petty Officer Sara Muir

U.S. Coast Guard District 14 Hawaii Pacific

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard and Air Force worked together with FEMA to ensure the timely delivery of a shipment of medical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to medical responders in the U.S. Territory of American Samoa, and the strategic deepwater Port of Pago Pago, early this week.

“FEMA notified the Coast Guard of the need March 27, and we worked collectively for a whole of government response to expedite the timely delivery,” said Capt. Craig O’Brien, chief of response, Coast Guard 14th District.

The pallet of supplies arrived safely to the main airport in Tafuna on the island of Tutuila aboard a Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules airplane from Air Station Barbers Point, Oahu, Wednesday after earlier movement from the Strategic National Stockpile by the Air Force aboard a C-17 Globemaster airplane to Hickam Air Field, also on Oahu.

“The successful and rapid delivery of vital supplies was coordinated among different government agencies and the military to respond to this unprecedented crisis,” said Air Force Col. Halsey Burks, 15th Wing commander. “The steps we take to protect the force during the COVID-19 pandemic continue to allow us to operate at the ‘speed of need.’ I am incredibly proud of our crews that delivered this aid and sleep well at night knowing they are just a phone call away from answering the next urgent request.”

The services continue to support the CDC, state, and local health officials for matters involving the pandemic and remains ready to respond to emergency needs throughout the region. Similar deliveries may take place soon to assist other regional partners.

“Military aircraft are a workhorse throughout the world, and in the Coast Guard, we frequently use our HC-130 Hercules planes to deliver necessary supplies and equipment. This is especially true in the Pacific, where we seek to overcome vast distances and challenging timelines,” said Cmdr. James Morrow, a Hercules pilot and operations officer at Air Station Barbers Point.

American Samoa is a collection of five islands in the South Pacific, approximately 2,600 miles southwest of Honolulu. It is home to around 64,000 people, many of whom serve in the U.S. military. Tuna is a vital export from the South Pacific. The associated industries and services are a significant means of employment in the region. The Coast Guard maintains some authority in the area and assists local agencies in enforcing federal regulations with an emphasis on maritime commerce and environmental ocean stewardship.

“Safe flow of maritime commerce in and out of the Port of Pago Pago is a priority of the U.S. Coast Guard. It contributes to strategic national objectives and a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said O’Brien.