USCG takes part in Orange Boat Initiative in Chuuk
SANTA RITA, Guam—U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam personnel have returned from Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia after a weeklong trip in support of the Orange Boat Initiative.
The Orange Boat Initiative is one example of several international capacity building activities Coast Guard Sector Guam is working on with the government of FSM to enhance search and rescue capabilities within the region.
OBI was launched in 2015 after a successful search and rescue case resulting in the location of an adrift 15-year-old male due to the contrasting orange interior of his vessel to the dark blue sea.
The U.S. Embassy in FSM successfully solicited for vessel owners to participate in this important event, which resulted in 178 small boats and two fishing vessels receiving high contrast vessel interiors.
Sector Guam personnel also provided boating safety training and the importance of always wearing properly fitted life jackets while in a vessel.
On the joint efforts within the region, L Cdr. Joshua Empen of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam said, “We greatly appreciate the collaborative efforts of the citizens of Chuuk, the government of the Federated States of Micronesia, and the U.S. Embassy in supporting search and rescue initiatives that improve the safety of mariners throughout Oceania.” (PR)