On Tuesday morning, McCauley and U.S. Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires Lori Dando called upon FSM. Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Lorin Robert in Palikir.
They then visited the Micronesia Transnational Crime Unit , where they were briefed by officer in charge Capt. Johnny Santos. TCU receives support from the U.S. Pacific Command Joint Interagency Task Force.
McCauley and Dando concluded their meetings at the FSM Maritime Wing in Dekehtik, Nett, where they toured the FSM Patrol Boats.
In addition to the government consultations, members of the Rush crew participated in community service projects.
The activities included painting an interior walkway of Pohnpei State Hospital and donating boxes of light weight clothing to the Catholic community of Pohnpei. The clothing items were provided by 20 crewmembers and their families.
That evening, the USCG and the U.S. Embassy co-hosted a reception on board the Rush. During her remarks, Dando thanked the Coast Guard for its tireless efforts to support maritime surveillance in the region. She also expressed appreciation to those who contributed to the community services events, calling their efforts a reminder “that the United States of America and the Federated States of Micronesia enjoy a profound relationship, one that goes far beyond formal treaty commitments…. The citizens of our two nations share a commitment to the values of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. ”
Dando also noted the presence of Okean Ehmes, the first FSM citizen to graduate from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, as well as Mary Berman, whose daughter, Margaret Damarlane, is currently a freshman at the Academy.
In conclusion, Dando thanked all those in attendance, calling their participation in the event what “makes the U.S.-FSM partnership a reality.”
Previously, in April 2010, the USCG Cutters Sequoia and Assateague came to Pohnpei to participate in the third U.S.-FSM Sea Guardian Exercise.
Under Title Three of the Compact of Free Association, the U.S. Coast Guard provides assistance in the prosecution of Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported fishing and other transnational crime within the FSM’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Additionally, a bilateral U.S.-FSM Shiprider Agreement allows members of the F.S.M. National Police Maritime Wing to travel aboard U.S. ships and respond to illicit activity at sea.
