Courtesy Photo | The crew of the USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) and members of the Federated States of...... read more read more
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SANTA RITA, Guam — The crew of the USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) returned to Guam Sept. 22, from a patrol blending maritime law enforcement and border security with community support, proving once again that strong partnerships and persistent presence are the anchor of regional stability.
The fast response cutter crew wrapped up their 22-day mission under Operation Rematau, logging 340 operating hours and covering over 4,200 nautical miles. From Guam's shores to the remote atolls of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the patrol accomplished multi-mission success including the delivery of 2,000 pounds of essential supplies, execution of five bilateral boardings with FSM authorities, and the expansion of maritime domain awareness across a region roughly the size of the continental U.S.
"Our Operation Rematau patrols are much more than patrolling lines on a chart as we continue to show up for our neighbors here in the Blue Pacific," said Lt. Ray Cerrato, commanding officer of Oliver Henry. "We sailed into FSM waters as partners and came back knowing we've deepened the ties that keep the Pacific safe and prosperous for everyone through our shared maritime law enforcement efforts."
Key highlights of the patrol included five boarding inspections on foreign-flagged tuna longliners in FSM's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), executed under the maritime bilateral law enforcement agreement between the U.S. and FSM. The Oliver Henry crew maximized the value of their transit time to Pohnpei by conducting bilateral boardings with FSM’s approval under the enhanced protocol. Additionally, the cutter embarked FSM National Police Maritime Wing officers in Pohnpei for in person boardings subsequently conducted. Boarding officers found the fishing vessels boarded to be compliant with established laws and regulations. The Oliver Henry crew also provided continuous regional search-and-rescue asset availability while deterring illegal fishing in U.S. and FSM waters through presence.
The mission's community element included deliveries of habitability supplies to the islanders of Sapwuahfik, Nukuoro, and Kapingamarangi atolls, coordinated with the U.S. Embassy in Kolonia. This effort underscored the U.S. Coast Guard's commitment to the Freely Associated States, where compact agreements tie security, safety, and economic growth to shared responsibilities and values.
Carlotta Leon Guerrero, founder and executive director with the Ayuda Foundation, highlighted the collaborative spirit, "Working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Embassy and outer island communities, we turned this patrol into a lifeline. These supplies are a promise that Guam and the U.S. stand with our Micronesian family, building resilience against isolation and uncertainty. As an example, reclaimed lumber was turned into new benches and tables for the meeting house in less than 24 hours on Kapingamarangi."
As always, the patrol doubled as a training ground. The Oliver Henry crew qualified personnel as underway officer of the deck, quartermaster of the watch and shipboard damage control. They also brought Petty Officer second Class Clayton Garcia, from Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam for additional support.
Garcia, who bridged intel coordination between the cutter and FSM's maritime operations center, said, "This was real-time collaboration turning data into deterrence. Sharing insights with FSM partners allows us to collectively spot opportunities making the most of our time in FSM waters and build trust that lasts beyond any single patrol."
Operation Rematau, meaning "People of the Deep Sea" in Chamorro, guides U.S. Coast Guard efforts in the Freely Associated States of the Republic of Palau, FSM, and the Republic of Marshall Islands. Managed by U.S. Coast Guard District Oceania and executed largely by Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, it tackles 10 of the service's 11 missions, from search and rescue to living marine resources protection, in a 2.6 million square nautical mile area. By modeling good governance and partnering against illegal activities, malign influences and resource exploitation, the operation safeguards U.S. national security while fostering regional peace and prosperity.
“Our Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam team, under U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area and aligned with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, executes these missions to honor commitments to allies and partners and protect the Pacific homeland and it’s resources,” said Cmdr. Grant Johnson, response department head.
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About USCGC Oliver Henry
The USCGC Oliver Henry is part of the U.S. Coast Guard's Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutter fleet. Named after Oliver T. Henry, Jr., a pioneering African American Coast Guard member, the ship and crew are equipped to perform various missions, including search and rescue, national defense, and maritime law enforcement.
About U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam
U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam and their cutter and boat crews ensure maritime safety, security, and prosperity across the Micronesia region while supporting U.S. national interests at home and abroad. Operating under the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Coast Guard remains a multi-mission force dedicated to protecting the United States’ borders, enabling commerce, and fostering partnerships that enhance regional stability.
For more information, please contact CWO Sara Muir, Public Affairs Officer, at sara.g.muir@uscg.mil or uscgforcesmicronesia@gmail.com.
| Date Taken: | 09.30.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.30.2025 03:30 |
| Story ID: | 549640 |
| Location: | SANTA RITA, GU |
| Web Views: | 69 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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