Below is a press release from D14. This is significant as the first FRC homeported in the Western Pacific. The ability of these little ships to self deploy to the Western Pacific is impressive. The crew has every reason to be proud, but we really should not be too surprised. Flat bottomed Landing Craft Infantry (LCI), 28 of which were Coast Guard manned, transited similar distances during World War II. They were essentially the same size (160 ft loa and 385 tons full load) and also had a crew of 24, but they usually did these transits in groups.
Guam’s first Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter arrives at Apra Harbor
Editors’ Note: Click on images to download a high-resolution version. HONOLULU — The Coast Guard Cutter Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) arrived at its new homeport in Santa Rita, Guam, Thursday. The crew of the Myrtle Hazard traveled from Key West, Florida to Guam, covering a distance of over 10,000 nautical miles during the two month journey. The new Fast Response Cutter (FRC) is the first of three scheduled to be stationed on Guam and replaces the 30-year old 110-foot Island-class patrol boats. FRCs are equipped with advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems and boast greater range and endurance. “FRC’s in Guam strengthen and affirm the U.S. Coast Guard’s operational presence in Oceania,” said Lt. Tony Seleznick, commanding officer of the Myrtle Hazard. “We increase the fleet’s range, endurance, and capabilities to deter illegal behavior, support Search and Rescue, promote maritime stability, and strengthen partnerships.” The FRCs represent the Coast Guard’s commitment to modernizing service assets to address the increasingly complex global Maritime Transportation System. Like the Island-class patrol boats before them, the Myrtle Hazard will support the people of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and our international partners throughout Oceania. FRC’s are designed for various missions including drug interdiction, defense operations, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, marine safety, and environmental protection. FRC’s can reach speeds of up to 28 knots and endure 5 days out at sea while covering over 2,500 nautical miles. “Myrtle Hazard will significantly increase the capabilities of the Coast Guard throughout the region,” said Capt. Chris Chase, commander, Coast Guard Sector Guam. “I am excited to welcome the crew of the Myrtle Hazard home and look forward to them conducting operations with our partners in the near future.” Myrtle Hazard, the cutter’s namesake, was the first female to enlist in the Coast Guard. Enlisting in January, 1918, she became a radio operator during World War I. She ended her service in 1919 as an Electrician’s Mate 1st Class. Each FRC has a standard 24-person crew. This will bring over 70 new Coast Guard members to Guam, along with a projected 100 family members. In addition to the crews of the three ships additional Coast Guard support members and their families will also be in Guam. |
Hafa Adai Dudes!!
I recommend the Chicken Kelaguen
Paging Chuck Hill,
Your presence is wanted in the Wardroom
The U.S. Coast Guard Should Guard the U.S. Coasts
By Lieutenant Commander Brian Hayes, U.S. Navy Reserve | September 21, 2020
https://blog.usni.org/posts/2020/09/21/the-u-s-coast-guard-should-guard-the-u-s-coasts
I have read it. I was considering what to do with it. Frankly the only thing I thought worth talking about was the title, “The US Coast Guard should Guard the US Coast.” I think that is the expectation of the average American. That they assume that is what we do, but really we don’t, and we are not prepared to do it. When something does happen, I expect a great many American are going to ask, “Where was the Coast Guard?”
I read this article. Poorly written and mean-spirited, it left me aghast.
All that being said, the point that the Coast Guard should more squarely focus on defending the US coasts is a good one.
The first link is broken Chuck.
@X, thanks, think it is fixed now.
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/bulletins/2d25a45
News Release
U.S. Coast Guard 14th District Hawaii and the Pacific
Coast Guard Cutter delivers emergency supplies to Palau following Typhoon Surigae
SANTA RITA, Guam — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) delivered emergency supplies including water and food to the island of Kayangel, Saturday.
The mission was in response to a national emergency declared by President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Palau after Typhoon Surigae devastated the region last week.
“Today, our crew had a unique opportunity to conduct one of the most satisfying missions the United States Coast Guard is known for, humanitarian aid,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Johnson, a coxswain aboard the Myrtle Hazard. “We were extremely excited to be able to offer help, which for a small island such as Kayangel makes a major impact. I am proud I was able to be a part of it.”
Last week the slow moving typhoon made landfall in Palau bringing significant rainfall and heavy winds. The storm caused flooding and resulted in damage to homes and properties throughout the islands.
On April 18, the president of Palau declared a national emergency and made an official request to the United States embassy for assistance. Capt. Christopher Chase, commander, Coast Guard Sector Guam and Ambassador John Hennessey-Niland, U.S. Embassy Koror, spoke by phone and determined what supplies were needed and the best method to deliver them.
At the time the Myrtle Hazard’s crew was conducting an illegal, unreported and unregulated fisheries patrol north of Guam and was recalled back to homeport for the humanitarian mission.
On Guam, supplies were being donated and collected by a number of different organizations including the Chief Petty Officers Association Marianas Chapter, the U.S Naval Base Chapel, the Orotte Commissary, the Ngaraad Club of Guam, the Kayangel Club of Guam, and the Guam Paluan community.
The cutter then departed Guam for the 800 nautical mile transit to Palau with the supplies.
Upon arriving in Palau the crew worked closely with the government and the U.S. embassy to coordinate a safe, contactless transfer of the supplies to Kayangel and to ensure the safety of both the people of Palau and the cutters crew while conserving the nation’s vital medical supplies.
“It’s a rewarding mission to deliver aid whenever required,” said Lt. Tony Seleznick, the Myrtle Hazard’s commanding officer. “This operation exemplified the great partnership between the U.S. and the Republic of Palau. The crew of Myrtle Hazard performed excellently and highlighted why the U.S. Coast Guard is the world’s best Coast Guard.”
*all dates and times are in Chamorro Standard Time