U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam delegation visits Marshall Islands
Capt. Nicholas Simmons, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam (CGFM/SG), led a delegation to the Marshall Islands on Sept. 18.
The visit underscores Coast Guard Sector Guam’s strengthened role as the primary facilitator of the cooperative relationship between the U.S. Coast Guard and the RMI, reinforcing longstanding ties. The delegation, including COFA Maritime Advisor Lt. Cmdr. Christine Igisomar and COFA Liaison Officer Lt. Anna Maria Vaccaro, met with RMI Environmental Protection Authority and the RMI Trust Company, among other agencies. They also engaged with the U.S. embassy charge d'affairs and staff and the Australian maritime security advisor's team.
The recent visit builds upon the December 2022 engagement when the Guam-based 154-foot Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) crew visited Majuro, the capital of the RMI. The mission reinforced the partnership through established bilateral maritime law enforcement agreements, shiprider operations, subject matter exchanges, and community engagements.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands and the U.S. Coast Guard share a rich maritime heritage.
"Though our traditional navigational tools may differ, at the heart of our relationship is a shared respect for the sea," said Simmons. "This enhanced role underscores CGFM/SG's commitment to our island neighbors, solidifying the U.S. Coast Guard as a trusted partner with an enduring positive presence and our desire for sustained cooperative endeavors in Oceania." mbj
