An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | March 6, 2023

U.S. Coast Guard Conducts Search and Rescue Exercise with Partners in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia

By Lt.Cmdr. Christine Igisomar and Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia / Sector Guam

WENO, CHUUK, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) -- Members of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam conducted a search and rescue exercise in Weno, Chuuk, FSM, from Feb. 20 to 23, 2023.

In attendance were 27 members from various agencies, including the Chuuk Department of Public Safety in Weno and Udot, the Chuuk Disaster Emergency Operations Center, the Chuuk Fire Division, and the Weno Municipal Police.

"After COVID, the Forces Micronesia team was eager to continue the great relationship we have with Chuuk state search and rescue partners," said Lt. Christine Igisomar, U.S. Coast Guard maritime advisor to the Compact of Free Association nations. "We are happy to be back in Chuuk state and admire our partners' intimate knowledge of their waters. We learned as much from them as we hope they learned from us."

The exercise began with a review of search patterns and simulated cases within the Chuuk lagoon. The following day, attendees participated in on-water search pattern training and drills. U.S. Coast Guard members received local knowledge from attendees, which will aid in future search planning, especially for overdue cases in Chuuk. The Coast Guard team also visited the Emergency Operations Center to understand better the capabilities and unique challenges associated with conducted search and rescue in Chuuk.

U.S. Coast Guard members also took part in an office call with the Honorable Alexander Narruhn, governor of Chuuk state. During the meetings, U.S. Coast Guard members expressed gratitude for the hospitality from and partnership with local maritime law enforcement teams. With continued training opportunities, the Service looks to enjoy a long-lasting partnership with Chuuk state and its search and rescue professionals.

"Continuing to build the capacity of our FSM partners, especially in search and rescue, remains a high priority," said Capt. Nick Simmons, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam. "We respect the deep connection of the FSM people with the ocean, and we hope that in the off chance something goes wrong at sea, our partners are equipped with the tools to effectively bring someone home. The U.S. Coast Guard team's partnership with Chuuk state is valuable to that continued effort."

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam comprises nearly 300 personnel throughout the response, prevention, administrative, and logistics departments supporting the Joint Rescue Sub-Center, three fast response cutters, a small boat station, and a marine safety detachment in Saipan. The unit provides a significant portion of the U.S. Coast Guard's enduring regional presence serving the people of the Pacific by conducting our six major operational mission programs: maritime law enforcement, maritime response, maritime prevention, marine transportation system management, maritime security operations, and defense operations.
CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM
Facebook

Like Us
X
363,233
Follow Us

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                                 

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With President Wesley Simina of the Federated States of Micronesia
Graphic intended for use as a placeholder for Statements and Press Releases without accompanying imagery.
March 22, 2024 - Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout...

AUKUS Trilateral Statement
Graphic intended for use as a placeholder for Statements and Press Releases without accompanying imagery.
March 22, 2024 - The Honourable Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Australia; the Right Honourable Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Defence, United Kingdom; and Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of Defense,...

U.S., India launch Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH 2024
Courtesy Photo
March 21, 2024 - Indian and U.S. combined armed forces began Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH 2024 with the arrival of amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25), March 18 and an opening ceremony March 19.This is the third time U.S. and...

USACE: Ensuring Safety Every Step of the Way
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Japan Engineer District (USACE JED) is the premier Department of Defense (DoD) military construction (MILCON) agent in the Pacific, providing facilities-related design and construction work in Japan for all military services and agencies. With over 60 years of experience in designing and constructing facilities in Japan, JED possesses the experience in Japanese standards and specifications, regulations, construction practices, maintenance requirements, and culture needed to ensure facilities are built with the utmost safety and professionalism. Photo by Charles Maib.
March 21, 2024 - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Japan Engineer District (USACE JED) is the premier Department of Defense (DoD) military construction (MILCON) agent in the Pacific, providing facilities-related design and construction work...

THAAD Battery in Guam Successfully Completes Table VIII Evaluation
A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense launcher used by E-3 Air Defense Artillery THAAD Battery as part of their Table VIII certification in Dededo, Guam, March 13, 2024. The THAAD battery, equipped with a state-of-the-art missile defense system, is tasked with defending Guam against ballistic missile threats. (U.S. Army Photo by Maj. Trevor Wild)
March 21, 2024 - In a testament to readiness and operational excellence, Task Force Talon's E-3 ADA THAAD Battery conducted a Table VIII evaluation for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system stationed in Guam, March 11-15,...