{"id":405672,"date":"2024-02-08T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-08T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/?p=405672"},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"-0001-11-29T14:00:00","slug":"USCG-sails-to-FSM-outer-islands-with-equipment-supplies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/USCG-sails-to-FSM-outer-islands-with-equipment-supplies\/","title":{"rendered":"USCG sails to FSM outer islands with equipment, supplies"},"content":{"rendered":"

POHNPEI, Federated States of Micronesia<\/strong>\u2014The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Oliver Henry<\/em> (WPC 1140) crew arrived at Dekhitik Harbor in Pohnpei on Feb. 1 as part of an international effort to deliver essential supplies and equipment to the drought-affected outer islands of Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi Atolls.<\/p>\n

Due to the El Ni\u00f1o weather phenomenon, these remote communities required immediate assistance, including water purification solutions, to combat the scarcity of potable water.<\/p>\n

Embarked on this vital mission were RO technicians Dudley Lorrin from the International Organization for Migration and Jimmy Edward from the Pohnpei Department of Public Safety. The mission was critical in providing immediate relief, including the transportation and operational setup of reverse osmosis units capable of converting seawater into drinkable water. These units, crucial for the survival of the island communities, can produce up to 350 gallons of fresh water daily and are powered by solar panels or high-capacity batteries.<\/p>\n

Significantly, the deployment was supported by various partners. The U.S. Navy Seabees repaired an IOM reverse osmosis unit in preparation for the mission. The government of Australia\u2019s Pacific Maritime Security Program donated specialized heavy-duty batteries to ensure the RO units\u2019 functionality. Additionally, the Pohnpei state government contributed one ton of rice, emphasizing the collaborative nature of this humanitarian operation.<\/p>\n

Upon reaching Nukuoro, the USCGC Oliver Henry<\/em> crew swiftly made an existing RO unit operational with the newly transported batteries, demonstrating adaptability and technical proficiency. Petty Officer 1st Class Kai Ruiz, an electrician\u2019s mate, connected two 12V batteries to the island\u2019s RO pump using spare parts from both the cutter and the local community\u2014a testament to the crew\u2019s resourcefulness and commitment to the mission.<\/p>\n

In Kapingamarangi, the crew performed a successful systems check on the local RO unit, confirming its full mission capability. Troubleshooting efforts also extended to the solar system and HF radio, identifying the need for replacement of the decade-old solar batteries and the HF radio antenna\u2014issues earmarked for future attention by local government authorities.<\/p>\n

The mission\u2019s cargo included 2,000 lbs of rice, two RO generator kits, three solar panel kits, and medical supplies, directly addressing the immediate needs of Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi. Upon departure, three medical kits, 80 gallons of bottled water donated by U.S. Coast Guard members and brought from Guam, diesel fuel, and various paper products were offloaded in Kapingamarangi, reflecting a comprehensive approach to aid delivery.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur visit was more than a delivery mission; it was an opportunity to strengthen ties with the island communities,\u201d said Lt. Ray Cerrato, commanding officer of Oliver Henr<\/em>y. \u201cThe crew\u2019s engagement with local schools and villages left a lasting impression, underscoring the U.S. Coast Guard\u2019s commitment to the well-being of these remote populations. The gratitude expressed by the village chiefs and the anticipation of future visits highlight the enduring relationships fostered by these endeavors.\u201d<\/p>\n

This mission exemplifies the U.S. Coast Guard\u2019s dedication to humanitarian aid and international cooperation, ensuring the well-being of vulnerable communities in the Pacific. The collective effort of all parties involved, from the initial loading in Guam to the final delivery and operational support on the islands, showcases a unified response to the challenges faced by Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi, reinforcing the U.S. Coast Guard\u2019s role as a pivotal force for good in the region.<\/p>\n

USCGC Oliver Henry<\/em>\u2018s crew is conducting the first U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia\/Sector Guam expeditionary patrol of 2024 under Operation Rematau and Operation Blue Pacific. The Oliver Henry<\/em> is the 40th 154-foot Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutter named for Oliver T. Henry, Jr., an enlisted African American Coast Guard member first to break the color barrier of a then-segregated Service. It homeports in Guam, working with U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia\/Sector Guam, which comprises nearly 300 personnel to provide a significant portion of the U.S. Coast Guard\u2019s enduring regional presence in Oceania. (USCG)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The crew of USCGC Oliver Henry<\/em> (WPC 1140) load resources in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, on Feb. 1, 2024, for delivery to the outer islands of the FSM to combat the effects of a current drought.<\/p>\n

-U.S. Embassy Kolonia
<\/figcaption><\/figure>

<\/p>\n

Petty Officer 1st Class Jon Borja, a health services technician from LOG-X, takes a moment for a photo as he and the crew of USCGC Oliver Henry<\/em> (WPC 1140) load resources in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, on Feb. 1, 2024, for delivery to the outer islands of the FSM to combat the effects of a current drought.<\/p>\n

-U.S. Embassy Kolonia
<\/figcaption><\/figure>

<\/p>\n

The crew of USCGC Oliver Henry<\/em> (WPC 1140) arrives in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, on Feb. 1, 2024.<\/p>\n

-U.S. Embassy Kolonia
<\/figcaption><\/figure>

<\/p>\n

The crew of USCGC Oliver Henry<\/em> (WPC 1140) arrive to Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, on Feb. 1, 2024.<\/p>\n

-U.S. Embassy Kolonia
<\/figcaption><\/figure>

<\/p>\n

In Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, the crew of USCGC Oliver Henry<\/em> (WPC 1140) load specialized heavy-duty batteries donated by the government of Australia\u2019s Pacific Maritime Security Program to ensure the functionality of reverse osmosis machines and other supplies on Feb. 1, 2024, for delivery to the outer islands of the FSM to combat the effects of a current drought.<\/p>\n

-U.S. Embassy Kolonia
<\/figcaption><\/figure>

<\/p>\n

The crew of USCGC Oliver Hen<\/em>ry (WPC 1140) load solar panels in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, on Feb. 1, 2024, for delivery to the outer islands of the FSM to combat the effects of a current drought.<\/p>\n

-U.S. Embassy Kolonia
<\/figcaption><\/figure>

<\/p>\n

The crew of USCGC Oliver Henr<\/em>y (WPC 1140) load resources in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, on Feb. 1, 2024, for delivery to the outer islands of the FSM to combat the effects of a current drought.<\/p>\n

-U.S. Embassy Kolonia
<\/figcaption><\/figure>

<\/p>\n

The crew of USCGC Oliver Henry<\/em> (WPC 1140) offload supplies from the small boat in Nukuoro Atoll, Federated States of Micronesia, on Feb. 2, 2024.<\/p>\n

-Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir
<\/figcaption><\/figure>

<\/p>\n

The crew of USCGC Oliver Henr<\/em>y (WPC 1140) spend recess with students at Nukuoro Elementary in Nukuoro Atoll, Federated States of Micronesia, on Feb. 2, 2024.<\/p>\n

-U.S. Embassy Kolonia
<\/figcaption><\/figure>

<\/p>\n

Petty Officer 1st Class Kai Ruiz of the USCGC Oliver Henry<\/em> (WPC 1140) repairs an existing reverse osmosis unit in Nukuoro Atoll, Federated States of Micronesia, on Feb. 2, 2024. Ruiz, an electrician\u2019s mate, connected two 12V batteries to the island\u2019s RO pump using spare parts from both the cutter and the local community\u2014a testament to the crew\u2019s resourcefulness and commitment to the mission.<\/p>\n

-U.S. Coast Guard
<\/figcaption><\/figure>

<\/p>\n

Petty Officer 1st Class Ben Laguana stands by to tie up a small boat in Kapingamarangi Atoll, Federated States of Micronesia, on Feb. 3, 2024.<\/p>\n

-Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir
<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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