Speaker Simina Meets Sector Commander Chase of US Coast Guard

PALIKIR, POHNPEI. On September 27, 2017, a delegation from the U.S. Embassy led by Ambassador Robert Riley and D.C.M. Joanne Cummings accompanied Captain Christopher M. Chase, Guam Sector Commander- U.S. Coast Guard, along with an entourage of Coast Guard personnel to meet with Speaker Wesley W. Simina.

Captain Christopher M. Chase took over command from Captain James Pruett as the new U.S. Coast Guard, Guam Sector Commander.  One of Coast Guard-Guam Sector's responsibilities includes the FSM and the purpose of the visit was to introduce the new Sector Commander to the leadership of the Nation. Captain Chase met with Speaker Simina to share his concerns and also his forthcoming plans on the collaborative efforts between the U.S. Coast Guard and FSM, and to improve the areas of importance such as search and rescue, law enforcement, Ports Waterways and Coastal Security (PWCS), marine inspection, mariner’s licensing and documentation, port safety and marine environmental protection.

Speaker Simina stated that a major portion of goods being shipped to Micronesia, namely FSM is through its ports and understands the gravity of maintaining its ports. The Speaker thanked the U.S. Ambassador and Captain Chase for the visit and assured the new sector commander of FSM’s commitment to do its part in maintaining the country’s seaports.

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