USCG continues response to Soudelor

SANTA RITA, Guam— Coast Guard crewmembers, along with several federal, state and local agencies, are continuing efforts in Saipan in response to Typhoon Soudelor on Wednesday.

The 14th Coast Guard District, in support of relief efforts on Saipan, transferred control of the Coast Guard cutter Sequoia and it is now operating under direction of Coast Guard Sector Guam.

The Sequoia transported 14 crewmembers from the Army National Guard, nine members from Mobil’s disaster and spill response team, one U.S. Marshal member and one Commonwealth Utility Corp. coordinator to Tanapag Harbor, Saipan.

The Sequoia conducted an initial survey of the shipping channel and port, which is currently open with restrictions. There is also a safety zone in effect within Tanapag Harbor.

The Sequoia is working to restore aids to navigation throughout the harbor in addition to supporting cleanup and relief efforts. The Sequoia maintains 11 buoys and three fixed lights in the harbor, which are critical to helping mariners safely navigate the channel.

The crew of the Coast Guard cutter Assateague departed from Naval Base Guam and arrived on Saipan yesterday to transport crewmembers from the Coast Guard Strike team to support the recovery efforts at the mobile fuel farm and deliver relief supplies.

“This is a great example of the multi-mission capabilities the Coast Guard can provide to our federal and local government partners in times of disaster,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jessica Worst, commanding officer of Sequoia. “During this difficult time for the residents of Saipan, we are humbled to be contributing to the relief effort. Quickly opening the harbor to navigation will provide for the flow of vital supplies and personnel to help restore the island.”

Sequoia is a 225-foot seagoing buoy tender homeported in Apra Harbor Guam. In addition to servicing floating and fixed maritime aids to navigation throughout Micronesia, this multi-mission platform with a crew of eight officers and 42 enlisted members also performs search-and-rescue, law enforcement, and a plethora of other missions throughout the Central and South Pacific.

The Assateague is a 110-foot Island-Class patrol boat. Its assigned missions include search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, ports waterways and coastal security and national defense. The Assateague has an area of responsibility equivalent to the size of the continental United States.

Additional details will be provided as updates are available. (USCG)