Coast Guard and Navy complete channel widening in Federated States of Micronesia

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Navy Master Diver Senior Chief Petty Officer Terence Juergens supervises dive operations in the Kapingamarangi Channel in support of the channel widening operation, December 6, 2021. The Coast Guard Cutter Sequoia carried members from the Navy's Underwater Construction Team Two (UCT-2) to widen the shoal channel which had narrowed due to marine overgrowth. (U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of the Coast Guard Cutter Sequoia)  

SANTA RITA, GUAM

02.10.2022

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Fisher 

U.S. Coast Guard District 14 Hawaii Pacific

SANTA RITA, Guam - Crews from the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Forces Micronesia | Sector Guam improve navigation safety in Kapingamarangi Atoll.

The Coast Guard Cutter Sequoia carried members from the Navy's Underwater Construction Team Two (UCT-2) to widen the shoal channel from December 4-8, 2021, which had narrowed due to marine overgrowth.

In close coordination with FSM National Government, Pohnpei State, and Kapingamarangi Atoll leaders, the Coast Guard/Navy team used controlled explosive dredging techniques. The targeted area for removal was roughly 10,000 square-feet and took approximately 6,500 pounds of explosives to clear over the course of 4 days.

"I am proud of the efforts of our crew and the Navy's UCT-2 crew in completing this challenging mission," said Cdr. Ryan Adams, commanding officer of the CGC Sequoia. "This channel widening will allow merchant vessels to more easily navigate the island, which will provide vital supplies to more than 300 residents who call Kapingamarangi home."

"The United States and the FSM share a special and unique bond. It is through this friendship that we were all able to accomplish this mission. The widening of the channel will now improve accessibility for commerce and emergency situations especially when responding to natural disasters," said U.S. Ambassador Carmen G. Cantor. "We know how important this channel is to the lives of the people of Kapingamarangi. As with all citizens of the FSM, we share an enduring partnership and look forward to continue collaborating going forward."

Additionally, crewmembers from the CGC Sequoia and the Navy's UCT-2 detachment delivered approximately 1,700 gallons of bottled drinking water to the residents of Kapingamarangi while deployed to the island. The water was provided by the Ayuda Foundation, a non-governmental organization based in Guam.

All water was delivered to a remote drop site under a no-contact policy due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

• Date Taken: 02.10.2022
• Date Posted: 02.10.2022 20:00
• Story ID: 414468
• Location: SANTA RITA, GU