KOSRAE, Federated States of Micronesia — U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam personnel, as part of Pacific Partnership 2024, conducted a series of boating safety workshops and community outreach activities in Kosrae, further strengthening maritime safety awareness and building meaningful relationships within the local community from Sept. 17 to 20, 2024.
During the mission stop, U.S. Coast Guard personnel led four comprehensive boating safety workshops at the Kosrae Community Center and the island’s three marinas — Okat, Lelu, and Utwe. These workshops provided crucial information on maritime safety and search and rescue operations, with a particular focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by remote island communities like Kosrae.
“It’s an honor to work with the people of Kosrae, who have a rich history as skilled watermen, to support their maritime safety with modern tools and techniques,” said Lt. j.g. Melissa Reilly, the U.S. Coast Guard representative for Pacific Partnership 2024 in Kosrae. “Through these workshops, we aim to provide local mariners and fishermen with resources that honor their seafaring heritage and enhance survival and expedite rescue in emergencies.”
In addition to the educational sessions, U.S. Coast Guard members distributed complimentary safety equipment, including signaling mirrors and whistles, along with informational pamphlets to workshop attendees. The team tailored the marina-based sessions to meet local fishermen's and their families' specific needs, providing them with insights into safe navigation and emergency procedures.
Key stakeholders from the Kosrae State Government Departments, including Maritime Police, the Department of Resources and Economic Affairs (DREA), and the Kosrae Island Resource Management Authority (KIRMA), were actively engaged during the community center session, further strengthening partnerships aimed at improving maritime safety across the island.
The U.S. Coast Guard’s involvement in Kosrae extended beyond maritime safety training. Coast Guard personnel also participated in a community service project at Lelu School, assisting with the installation of playground equipment. Additionally, they engaged in a friendly baseball event with students and faculty at Malem Elementary School, fostering positive community relationships through shared experiences.
“These engagements are invaluable in building trust and strengthening our connection with the communities we serve,” said Lt. j.g. Reilly. “We’re grateful for the warm welcome and the opportunity to collaborate on such important safety initiatives.”
Outreach efforts also included visits to various villages, where Coast Guard personnel introduced themselves to residents and provided information about the U.S. Coast Guard’s mission and operations, ensuring communities across Kosrae are familiar with available services.
Pacific Partnership 2024-2 aims to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities by collaborating with host nations like the Federated States of Micronesia. The efforts conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard and other partners underscores the importance of regional cooperation in ensuring that communities are well-prepared to face emergencies.
Pacific Partnership 2024-2 aims to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities by working collaboratively with host nations like Federated States of Micronesia. The efforts conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard and other partners underscores the importance of regional cooperation in ensuring that communities are well-prepared to face emergencies.
For more information on Pacific Partnership, visit www.clwp.navy.mil/Pacific-Partnership.
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About U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam
U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam protects maritime interests, ensures security, and fosters peace and prosperity across the Blue Pacific. Their operations span search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental protection, and national defense. They maintain close ties with local, regional, and international partners to uphold maritime safety and security standards.
For further details on the rescue operation or the ongoing efforts of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia, please contact Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir, public affairs officer, at sara.g.muir@uscg.mil or uscgforcesmicronesia@gmail.com.