The Commandant, Adm. Linda Fagan, focused on operations, the workforce, and the future as she delivered her 2nd State of the Coast Guard address to Congress last night. You can view it on YouTube or Vimeo.

Operations 

Adm. Fagan highlighted the response to Lahaina wildfires on Maui, narcotics interdictions in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, and maritime migrant interdictions in the Pacific, Caribbean, and Straits of Florida. She cited the HARRIET LANE’s homeport shift from Portsmouth, Virginia, to Honolulu, Hawaii, as evidence of the importance of the Indo-Pacific region. She also pointed to the HEALY’s Artic transit as an important step to ensuring our national sovereignty in the northern high latitudes.

“Last year, the United States Coast Guard saved nearly five thousand lives, and ensured the safety of thousands more through our work to prevent maritime accidents before they happen,” said Adm. Fagan.

People 

The Talent Management Transformation Task Force “hit the ground running, challenged long-held assumptions, and are writing new personnel policies that make it easier to join and serve in the United States Coast Guard,” said Adm. Fagan.

Adm. Fagan advocated for our families to have access to affordable housing, childcare, and medical facilities. She pointed to the creation of the Talent Acquisition Specialist rating, the opening of new recruiting offices, and broadening the applicant pool as key steps to closing our current workforce shortage. The Commandant celebrated the tailored approach offered by Agile A-Schools that get trained Petty Officers to the field quicker than before. She celebrated the changes to how the Service manages talent and makes it easier to serve.

“The Coast Guard of the future will increasingly rely on data, analytics, and artificial intelligence to inform our missions,” said Adm. Fagan.

Future 

Adm. Fagan expressed her excitement in launching the ARGUS, the first offshore patrol cutter (OPC). She set her top acquisition priority as starting construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the first new heavy icebreaker built in the United States since the 1970s. She cited the Office of Data Analytics and use of unmanned systems as force multipliers. Finally, Adm. Fagan highlighted efforts to strengthen service culture.

The State of the Coast Guard Address is mainly intended for Congress and external stakeholders. The Commandant will hold a Townhall for all members of the Service on April 3. Stay tuned to find out how you can be a part of the Townhall.

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Resources: 

• https://vimeo.com/event/4172161
• https://youtube.com/live/eUkA7ZgoYys
• Coast Guard Rescues People Forced to Flee into the Ocean to Escape Maui Wildfires | Military.com
• Leased housing eligibility expanded for accompanied members
• CG to reopen six pharmacies, expand access
• Learn about the Coast Guard’s new rating: Talent Acquisition Specialist
• How you can be a STAR
• New policy makes it easier for green card holders to enlist
• Coast Guard adjusts operations plan to mitigate 2024 workforce shortage
• New conduits for EM lateral entry and post-service civilian careers
• A Transformative Year
• Data Team One’s robotic process automation
• Data Team One improves officer assignments management through automation
• Changing the way we do business

SANTA RITA, Guam — The crew of the USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) completed a significant operational patrol under Operation Rematau from Feb. 15 to March 4, 2024, reinforcing the U.S. Coast Guard’s commitment to maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in the Pacific region.

“Frederick Hatch marked an important milestone in the U.S. Coast Guard’s relationship with our friends in Palau by pioneering the use of the recently signed enhanced bilateral agreement, and we look forward to deepening our ties with Palau’s Marine Law division going forward. The cutter’s first-ever visit to Tinian and participation in Yap Day were both very enjoyable ways to learn about the cultures of our neighboring islands while reflecting our commitment to communities across the Pacific,” said Lt. Patrick Dreiss, commanding officer of USCGC Frederick Hatch.

The Frederick Hatch crew proudly represented the U.S. Coast Guard at the annual Pika Fest Celebration on Tinian, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, and Yap Day in Colonia, Yap State, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).

Supporting local needs, they transported 1,500 lbs. of non-perishable food, 1,200 lbs. of water, and essential supplies, including fishing gear and tools, to Ulithi Atoll, FSM, during a state-declared emergency drought. The crew renewed the meaningful connection with the local community, engaging in direct support and sharing in the generosity and warmth of the island’s residents.

“The opportunity to contribute to the enduring partnership between the Ulithi community and the U.S. Coast Guard, rooted in World War II and grown throughout decades of collaboration, was a special experience for myself and the crew. Thank you to the local non-profit organizations we worked alongside, as the experience of supporting and visiting the people of Ulithi is one of the highlights of my career,” said Dreiss.

Further showcasing the spirit of cooperation and support, the Hatch’s crew organized a donation drive prior to sailing, collecting 40 bags of school supplies and clothing from the U.S. Coast Guard community in Guam and collaborated with the Ayuda Foundation and the Ulithi-based One People One Reef research foundation to facilitate these critical donations to the island.

“Today exemplifies the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie that we hold dear here in Ulithi. It warms our hearts to hear that your short visit to our island was enjoyable, and we’re delighted that you appreciated the coconuts, bananas, and flowers. Knowing that the bananas are adorning your ship’s canopy, and the flowers are being proudly worn by your crew fills us with immense joy,” said Ulithi Mayor John Rulmal.

Yap Day, observed annually on March 1, is a significant cultural and legal holiday in Yap State, one of the four states of the FSM. Established in 1968 and renamed in 1979, it celebrates Yapese culture, highlighting traditional skills and competitions, such as tattooing, fresh produce contests, and traditional games. The U.S. Coast Guard regularly attends, and the 2024 celebration was particularly special as Petty Officer 2nd Class Eugene Halishlius, a native of Yap currently stationed in Guam, returned home aboard Frederick Hatch for the first time in years to participate, further symbolizing the deep connections between the U.S. Coast Guard and the Pacific communities served.

“Returning to Yap, I’m reminded of the values instilled in me: respect, humility, and the identity of being an islander. Coming from a family of navigators, we believe in the power of knowing your waypoints, a principle that guides us to success. Inspired by my brother Ken Raigeluw, who is also serving and driven by our service’s unique opportunities and missions, this journey not only contributes to our collective mission but also my personal growth and family legacy,” said Halishlius.

The Frederick Hatch crew responded to a request from the government of Yap State for a U.S. Coast Guard presence near Ngulu Atoll to deter illegal sea cucumber poaching, demonstrating a commitment to protecting the region’s marine resources and aiding partners. This patrol also marked the first-ever boarding under the Palau enhanced bilateral agreement, signed in August 2023, authorizing U.S. Coast Guard boarding officers to conduct boardings in Palau’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on the country’s behalf without a Palauan officer present. While the crew found everything compliant with international and Palauan requirements, the action set a precedent for further regional maritime law enforcement cooperation. It reinforces the trust and confidence of partners in the U.S. Coast Guard’s role to ensure compliance with fishing regulations within partner EEZs.

The patrol also emphasized the need for continued vigilance in the Western Pacific. Not for the first time, the Frederick Hatch crew identified areas of concern for illegal fishing activities and non-compliance with maritime regulations wherein fishing vessels were observed not transmitting on AIS or VMS near the Palau EEZ border with the high seas.

“These efforts not only affirm our dedication to preserving the region’s marine biodiversity but also reinforce the strong and enduring partnerships we have, particularly in support of our Compact of Free Association partners addressing shared security challenges and advancing mutual interests in the Blue Pacific,” said Capt. Nick Simmons, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam. “Our partnership with local non-profits and the community in Guam exemplifies a holistic approach to strengthening the fabric of trust and mutual respect we’ve built over decades with Pacific Island communities and beyond as we face future challenges and opportunities together.”

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About Operation Rematau
Operation Rematau is how U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam supports the overarching Coast Guard endeavor Operation Blue Pacific to promote security, safety, sovereignty, and economic prosperity in Oceania. Rematau means people of the deep sea. It reinforces the U.S. commitment to working together to advance Pacific regionalism based on the Blue Pacific narrative. This action supports U.S. national security objectives, bolstering regional maritime good governance and security.

About USCGC Frederick Hatch
The Frederick Hatch is the 43rd 154-foot Sentinel-class fast response cutter named for a surfman and lighthouse keeper who was a two-time Gold Life Saving Medal recipient. Designed for many missions, including search and rescue, national defense, and maritime law enforcement, the Frederick Hatch crew plays a significant role in safeguarding national interests and preserving good maritime governance.

Admiral Linda Fagan will deliver her second State of the Coast Guard Address on Wednesday, March 20th in Washington, DC. The remarks will be livestreamed beginning at 1745 EST. Watch here: https://vimeo.com/event/4143792.

Expect to hear about:

• The growing demand for Coast Guard operations around the world
• The Coast Guard’s role in protecting the nation’s Marine Transportation System (MTS) from physical and cybersecurity threats
• The need for the Service to address personnel gaps, maintenance, and infrastructure challenges to ensure workforce and mission readiness
• Improvements made to the Coast Guard’s talent management system and recruitment methods
• The importance of strengthening Service culture

Her remarks will also be uploaded to DVIDS, the U.S. Coast Guard YouTube channel, and https://www.uscg.mil/alwaysready following the event.

Additionally, there will be a follow-on Workforce Townhall on Wednesday, April 3rd both in-person at Coast Guard Headquarters and livestreamed via Microsoft Teams. Stay tuned for more details!

MAJURO, Republic of the Marshall Islands — Following efforts with Kiribati partners, the USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) crew recently concluded the next leg of their expeditionary patrol from Feb. 20 to 27, 2024, spending time in Majuro, Wotje Atoll, and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) working with partners, underscoring commitment to maritime security and international cooperation regionally.

Underway in support of Operation Blue Pacific, the cutter crew showcased the effectiveness of the U.S. and RMI maritime bilateral agreement, conducting a shared patrol with shipriders emphasizing collaborative efforts in maritime safety, security, and stewardship in terms of resource protection.

“The shared efforts in patrolling, enforcing maritime regulations, and sharing expertise contribute to maintaining a secure and sustainable maritime environment,” said Lt. Ray Cerrato, commanding officer of the USCGC Oliver Henry. “The U.S. and RMI shiprider operations under the bilateral agreement serve as a model for collaborative efforts between nations, fostering a shared commitment to protecting marine resources and building strong partnerships.”

During the patrol, Oliver Henry’s crew traveled throughout the RMI EEZ with two officers from the RMI maritime police force, the Sea Patrol, who provided a combined presence and conducted three successful maritime law enforcement boardings and three additional observation reports. The combined boarding team found all fishing vessel crews to be operating in compliance with international and Marshallese regulations.

The crew assisted the Marshallese government with transporting 4,000 pounds of essential grocery supplies from Majuro to Wotje Atoll, RMI. The visit to Wotje Atoll was warmly welcomed by Mayor Rithen Lajar, demonstrating the enduring partnership between the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

“We were incredibly humbled by our welcome from Mayor Rithen Lajar to visit Wotje Atoll,” said Cerrato. “His willingness to accept our cutter and crew into his home and to entrust us with the chance to bring in much-needed supplies to the atoll was incredibly heartwarming. Our crew couldn’t have been more excited and willing to support the mayor’s request for assistance.”

Additionally, Oliver Henry and RMI Sea Patrol conducted a collaborative session on damage control equipment setup and small boat launch and recovery, strengthening capabilities and fostering camaraderie between the two agencies. In further engagement activities, the crew enjoyed a friendly basketball game with Sea Patrol, won by Sea Patrol, and a BBQ with Royal Australian Navy partners, further strengthening bonds between the participating entities.

“The time patrolling within the RMI EEZ was incredibly effective,” said Cerrato. “We look forward to any chance to work with RMI and Sea Patrol during future engagements. We must brush up on our basketball skills before the next match.”

The success of the cutter crew’s mission reflects a commitment to the region’s well-being and reinforces the significance of such missions in maintaining a stable and secure maritime domain. Support from the staff of the U.S. Embassy in Majuro, as well as Royal Australian Navy and Marshallese Sea Patrol partners, was instrumental in the success of the patrol effort.

About the U.S. Coast Guard in the Pacific
The U.S. Coast Guard 14th District, based out of Honolulu, Hawaii, and U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, continue to foster enduring partnerships with regional allies through Operation Blue Pacific, an overarching multi-mission Coast Guard endeavor to promote security, safety, sovereignty, and economic prosperity in Oceania. With humanitarian Service at its core, the U.S. Coast Guard remains committed to maritime safety, security, and stewardship, solidifying its longstanding reputation in the Pacific as a trusted partner.

About USCGC Oliver Henry
USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) 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. Designed for many missions, including search and rescue, national defense, and maritime law enforcement, the Oliver Henry plays a significant role in safeguarding national interests and preserving good maritime governance.