Radewagen takes part in USCG acquisitions hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Delegate Uifa’atali Amata Radewagen (R-A. Samoa) took part in a Tuesday hearing of the Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security by invitation to participate in the congressional examination of U.S. Coast Guard acquisitions.

Delays in producing planned new cutters are affecting the allocation of Coast Guard resources and presence in the Indo-Pacific. Radewagen focused on the planned Offshore Patrol Cutter, which will eventually play a large role in the Pacific.

“Thank you to chairman Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) for the opportunity to be waived onto the committee for this hearing,” said Radewagen. “I represent American Samoa, in the South Pacific. Our largest industry is fishing, which is at threat from Chinese IUU fishing. A larger Coast Guard presence in American Samoa is the best deterrence from IUU incursions into our EEZ.”

“Every single Pacific Radewagen leader has asked for two things in the South Pacific: Coast Guard and the Peace Corps,” continued Radewagen. “Today we’re discussing the fleet of the future, one that can operate in the South Pacific.”

In February, American Samoa was proud to host Commandant of the Coast Guard Admiral Linda Fagan, preceded by a visit of the USCGC Harriet Lane to Pago Pago Harbor. The USCGC Harriet Lane has been patrolling the Pacific under its inaugural Blue Pacific mission.

In various public comments, including a hearing last year, Radewagen has pointed out that American Samoa stands ready to host a larger permanent presence of the Coast Guard, and that the Coast Guard in American Samoa makes an enduring and effective signal of U.S. commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.

In his statement, Gimenez said, “Bringing these cutters online on time and on budget will determine whether Coast Guard will be able to meet the growing demand for their assets, manpower, and expertise. Therefore, if we want to stem the flow of narcotics into our country, stop illegal fishing by the Chinese distance water fishing fleet, or maintain a consistent, credible presence in the Arctic to deter our geopolitical adversaries, the Coast Guard acquisitions programs must deliver what Congress tasks the service to do.” (PR)