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Coast Guard, Navy complete channel widening in FSM
SANTA RITA, Guam—Crews from the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Forces Micronesia | Sector Guam improves navigation safety in Kapingamarangi Atoll.
The Coast Guard cutter Sequoia carried members from the Navy’s Underwater Construction Team-2 to widen the shoal channel on Dec. 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 and Navy teams used controlled explosive dredging techniques. The targeted area for removal was roughly 10,000 square-feet and took approximately 6,500 lbs of explosives to clear over the course of four days.
“I am proud of the efforts of our crew and the UCT-2 crew in completing this challenging mission,” said Cmdr. Ryan Adams, commanding officer of the 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 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.
Additionally, crewmembers from the Sequoia and the 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. (USCG)
