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USCG cutter returns from ‘Operation Santa’s Sleigh’
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Posted on Dec 19 2008
[B]GUAM[/B]—The Coast Guard cutter Assateague returned to Guam after completing a rewarding mission to bring Santa Claus and presents to distant Micronesian islands. In conjunction with Operation Christmas Drop, the cutter carried gifts and supplies provided by the Guam Navy Officers Spouses Connection, Anderson Airforce Base, and Coast Guard personnel from Guam.
To conduct Operation Santa’s Sleigh, Cutter Assateague headed 390 miles south of Guam last week to Woleai Atoll in the Yap State of the Federated States of Micronesia. While the cutter waited offshore on Dec. 17, Santa (aka Commanding Officer Lt. Jim Jarnac) landed by small boat to off load 500-plus lbs of presents that included toys, books, and clothing.one-1 hour presentation at the island’s high school for 50-plus 11th and 12th graders. He shared his life experiences in the Coast Guard so the children could see the world through his eyes. Jarnac also gave a presentation on how the Coast Guard conducts their search and rescue mission.
The crew of the Cutter Assateague was treated to a very festive departing fiesta with cultural dances from three different groups (men, women, children). Christmas carols were sung by all at the end of the fiesta. According to Jarnac, “This was the experience of a lifetime for my entire crew and we are truly grateful to the warm hospitality given by the people of Woleai Atoll!”
Cutter Assateague is a 110 foot island-class patrol boat based in Apra Harbor, Guam. The cutter supports many Coast Guard missions, including search and rescue, port security, and maritime law enforcement.[B][I] (USCG)[/I][/B]
