Radewagen welcomes return of Navy’s Alkonis to the US

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Delegate Uifa’atali Amata Radewagen (R-A. Samoa) is welcoming the return of U.S. Navy Lt. Ridge Alkonis to the United States.

“We have prayed for this, and advocated for it, alongside his family, and other strong voices in Congress who called for his return to the United States,” said Radewagen. “He is Samoan, and serves our country, and I’m thankful to know that finally he is back in the U.S. where he belongs. This is an important step, so I hope his family can see him soon and his case can be reviewed. Japan is a key Pacific ally of the United States and this is another positive development in our enduring partnership with Japan.”

The Alkonis family released a statement expressing appreciation to the U.S. government for the diplomacy involved, and their hope for an impartial judicial review.

“After 507 days, Lt. Ridge Alkonis is on his way home to the United States. We are encouraged by Ridge’s transfer back to the United States but cannot celebrate until Ridge has been reunited with his family. We appreciate the efforts of the U.S. government to affect this transfer and are glad that an impartial set of judicial eyes will review his case for the first time. When the Biden administration is presented with the complete set of facts and circumstances surrounding the case, we’re confident they will promptly recognize the absurdity of Ridge’s conviction. We trust that the DOJ will urgently wish to end this travesty of justice by immediately releasing Ridge, and we look forward to Ridge enjoying the holidays at home with his wife and children.”

Radewagen, with other key members of Congress, continually has called for his return to the U.S., restoration of Navy pay, and other factors, as he was sentenced in Japan following an accident that occurred while he was stationed there. Radewagen will continue to follow his case closely, and for now, wishes Alkonis and his family well upon his return to U.S. custody. (PR)