HONOLULU – Coast Guard aircrews piloting two MH-65 Dolphin helicopters conducted a medical evacuation of a 35-year-old Polish woman suffering symptoms of pneumonia aboard the cruise ship The World, approximately 92 miles southwest of Kona, Big Island, Friday.

Coast Guard watchstanders in Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu was notified of the patient's condition at approximately 9 p.m. Thursday.

At the time, the vessel was 293 miles southwest of Kona, Big Island. The World was originally en route to Honolulu but diverted to the Big Island to conduct the medevac. The ship’s doctor was treating the patient and her condition was stable at that time. The ship’s doctor reported that the ship would have an insufficient amount of oxygen by the time they reached port, due to the amount the patient was consuming, at 6 a.m. Friday.

The Coast Guard flight surgeon, upon hearing this, recommended the patient be medically evacuated and taken to a hospital ashore to receive treatment.

Coast Guard aircrews aboard two Dolphins and an HC-130 Hercules airplane were launched to conduct the medevac. The C-130 provided air cover for the operation. The first Dolphin rendezvoused with the ship 115 miles south of the coast to deliver oxygen for the patient at 11 a.m.

The second helicopter met the ship 92 miles southwest of Kona and safely hoisted the patient at approximately 12:15 p.m. The patient was taken to Kona Community Hospital for further treatment.

For more information contact the 14th Coast Guard District public affairs office at 808-535-3230.

HONOLULU – As part of National Safe Boating Week, May 19-25, the Coast Guard has created several public service announcements with tips on how to improve safety on the water.

The following 30-second public service announcements are available for download and cover a variety of topics:

The hazards of alcohol: http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1629345

Filing a float plan: http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1629349

The importance of life jackets: http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1629352

Free vessel safety checks: http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1629355

VHF radio use: http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1629358

For more information contact the 14th Coast Guard District public affairs office at 808-535-3230.

For hi-resolution photos click thumbnails above.

HONOLULU – Cmdr. Mark Morin, 14th Coast Guard District incident management branch chief, stands watch with Lt. Karl Hjembo, assigned to Destroyer Squadron 1, aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing 17 on deployment in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations May 11, 2012. 

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and Carrier Strike Group became the first carrier strike group to participate in the Oceania Maritime Security Initiative May 7-16 during Vinson's transit.

Morin stressed the importance of the Navy's joining the Coast Guard and U.S. Navy forces in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing vessels when possible.

"The IUU vessels are the fishing vessels that don't purchase the necessary permits to fish in either the U.S. and/or foreign Exclusive Economic Zone's," Morin explained. "These IUU vessels are basically harvesting tuna resources from the U.S. without having to pay for permits. We need to locate and identify these IUU vessels and ensure they face the penalty for breaking the law."

OMSI is a Secretary of Defense program which leverages Department of Defense assets transiting the region to increase the U.S. Coast Guard's maritime domain awareness, ultimately supporting its maritime law enforcement operations in Oceania. The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for patrolling the waters around the numerous islands associated with the United States throughout the region. Each of these islands have territorial waters stretching out to 12 miles from shore. Beyond that, stretching out to 200 nautical miles is an exclusive economic zone, an area defined by international law that allows each nation exclusive rights to the exploration and use of marine resources. Oceania contains 43 percent, or approximately 1.3 million square miles, of United States' EEZs. 

For more information regarding this story visit http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=67134 

For more information regarding this release contact the public affairs office at 808-535-3230.

HONOLULU – U.S. Coast Guard, Honolulu Fire Department and Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division, Honolulu, crews suspended their search for a missing 50-year-old male free diver near Kailua Bay, Oahu Sunday.

Christopher Nee was reported missing by his diving partner at approximately 8 p.m. Saturday night. Coast Guard, Honolulu Fire Department and ocean safety rescue crews conducted land, sea and aerial searches.

Ocean safety lifeguards dove in 20 feet of water to recover the submerged body located at approximately 400 feet offshore Castle Beach, Kailua at approximately 10:20 a.m. Nee was brought to shore where he was confirmed to be the missing diver and pronounced deceased by EMS at approximately 10:45 a.m.

"The efforts of Coast Guard, Honolulu Fire Department and Ocean Safety demonstrate the efficiencies gained through a standing Search and Rescue Memorandum of Understanding between Honolulu County and the Coast Guard," said Lt. Leigh Cotterell, public affairs officer for Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. "In the interest of safety, the Coast Guard advises divers to use the buddy system, dive flags and all other safe diving protocols."

"Additionally, members of the public are asked to remain vigilant when using island waters and to promptly contact the authorities in cases of distress or other unusual incidents," said Cotterell.

For more information about this press release, contact Lt. Leigh Cotterell at 808-292-3692.

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HONOLULU – The Coast Guard and Honolulu Fire Department rescue crews are searching for a missing 50-year-old male free diver near Kailua Bay, Oahu Saturday.

Christopher Nee, the diver, is described as a male Oahu resident and experienced free diver, 5’ 10 inches and weighing approximately 190 pounds with dark hair.

He entered Kailua Bay to dive with a friend at approximately 4 p.m. Saturday and was last seen wearing a black wet suit top, red swim trunks and carrying a blue and white boogie board with a dive flag. His friend emerged from the dive at approximately 8 p.m. and noticed the missing man’s car was still in the parking lot.

Honolulu County Fire Department personnel contacted the Coast Guard's Sector Honolulu Command Center at approximately 11 p.m. to request assistance with the search.

Rescue crews with the MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter from Air Station Barbers Point, the Coast Guard Cutter Kiska, homeported in Hilo, Hawaii, the 45-foot Motor Life Boat from Coast Guard Station Honolulu and the Honolulu Fire Department helicopter are participating in the search.  

The crew aboard the Kiska and the Motor Life Boat will continue to search through night. The Honolulu Fire Department will resume search efforts at first light.

If you have any information reagarding this search, contact Sector Honolulu Command Center at 808-842-2600.

For more information about this press release, contact Lt. Leigh Cotterell at 808-292-3692.

KAHULUI, Maui – Coast Guardsmen from Station Maui and Marine Safety Team Maui, along with Coast Guard Auxiiliary members, are scheduled to kick off National Safe Boating Week following a proclamation reading by Maui County Mayor Alan M. Arakawa at the Kahului small boat ramp, Saturday.

The Kahului boat ramp event is scheduled for 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. Members of MST Maui will be offering free Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon testing. Coast Guard Auxiliarists will be offering free vessel safety checks. Children will also get to meet Coastie the Safety Boat.

A second boating safety event is scheduled for May 26 at the Lahaina Cannery Mall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. MST Maui members will be offering free EPIRB testing and the Auxiliary will also offer free vessel safety checks. Coastie the Safety Boat will be at the second event as well.

National Safe Boating Week is an annual Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary supported initiative with the goal of encouraging safe boating practices by mariners throughout the country.

The week highlights the importance of safety equipment aboard vessels such as life jackets, proper communication equipment, and the benefits of owning an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. The hope is to encourage people to carry appropriate safety equipment which could save their life.

"In the last year we've had two boating related deaths in Maui County, both of them tragic accidents which could have been avoided," said Mayor Alan Arakawa. "It is more important than ever to obey safe boating rules to keep our waters safe. I also encourage citizens to take advantage of the free boat inspections by the Coast Guard Auxiliary to help ensure they have the right safety equipment onboard at all times. Let's all work together to help keep each other safe out there in the water."

Boating safety public service announcements can be found at the following links

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIfWfL6ywU0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuVuhJjwA50

For more information contact the Station Maui public affairs officer at 808-870-3505.

HONOLULU – Rear Adm. Charles W. Ray, commander of the 14th Coast Guard District, representatives from the district office, Coast Guard Auxiliarists and members of Station Honolulu, will join the Hawaii Sail and Power Squadron in officially kicking off National Safe Boating Week at the Koko Marina Center, Saturday.

The event, scheduled for 9 a.m. through 3 p.m., is meant to be a day to recognize the importance of boating safety as well as a day of enjoyment for all, including kids.

Coast Guard Auxiliarists will be manning boating safety information displays, where everyone is welcome to get information and guidance on how to be safe on the water. Station Honolulu members will have a 25-foot Response Boat-Small on display.

An aircrew from Air Station Barbers Point piloting an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter is scheduled to conduct a search and rescue demonstration at 11 a.m. which can be viewed from both the Hawaii Kai Marina and the Koko Head Marina.

Along with the demonstration, there will be music, games and door prizes. Children will have the opportunity to meet Coastie the Safety Boat and make a T-shirt, which they can keep.

National Safe Boating Week is an annual Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary supported initiative with the goal of encouraging safe boating practices by mariners throughout the country.

The week highlights the importance of safety equipment aboard vessels such as life jackets, proper communication equipment, and the benefits of owning an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. The hope is to encourage people to carry appropriate safety equipment which could save their life.

Link to boating safety public service announcements can be found at the following links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIfWfL6ywU0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuVuhJjwA50

For more information contact the 14th Coast Guard District office at 808-535-3230.

Editor's note: For high resolution version, click the image above.

LIHU’E, Kauai – Coast Guardsmen from Station Kauai, along with members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, joined Bernard J. Carvalho, Jr., mayor of the County of Kauai, in signing a proclamation declaring May 19-25 National Safe Boating Week on Kauai, Tuesday.

National Safe Boating Week is an annual Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary supported initiative with the goal of encouraging safe boating practices by mariners throughout the country. The week highlights the importance of safety equipment aboard vessels such as life jackets, proper communication equipment, and the benefits of owning an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. The hope is to encourage people to carry appropriate safety equipment which could save their life.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Jim Jung.

Editor's note: For high resolution photos and video, click the thumbnails above.

HONOLULU – Coast Guardsmen from Air Station Barbers Point, working closely with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, helped make a young man’s wish to fly aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter come true, Thursday.

Trey Erwin, a 15-year-old from Memphis, Tennessee, and his family were given a tour of the air station. During the visit, the family met with Coast Guard pilots and rescue swimmers. Trey, his mother and younger brother were given flight suits, boots and pilot’s helmets to wear during their flight.

After getting suited up, they were taken to the airfield where the Dolphin helicopter awaited. The family met with their pilot, Lt. Jason Gross, and their flight mechanic, Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Lilkendey, an avionics electrical technician. The Erwin family was given a safety brief before climbing aboard. The family was then taken on a flight around Oahu.

After the flight, crewmembers from the air station presented the family with mementos such as T-shirts and challenge coins. The family concluded their visit by having lunch with the air station’s commanding officer.

“The crew here at the air station was very honored to meet this wonderful young man and his family,” said Capt. Anthony Vogt, commanding officer of Air Station Barbers Point. “Everyone here was pleased to have the opportunity to grant Trey’s wish and provide him and his family an exciting day with the Coast Guard.”

For more information contact the 14th Coast Guard District public affairs office at 808-535-3230.

Editor's note: For a higher resolution version, click the image above.

HONOLULU - Coast Guard Cmdr. Bob Little, commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter Kukui, was relieved by Lt. Cmdr. Steven Ramassini during a ceremony at Coast Guard Base Honolulu Friday. 

Ramassini was previously the design and development chief at Force Readiness Command’s Performance Technology Center at Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown, Va. Ramassini previously served as the executive officer aboard Coast Guard Cutter Alder, executive officer aboard Coast Guard Cutter Thunder Bay and operations officer aboard Coast Guard Cutter Sundew. 

In addition to his afloat assignments, Ramassini served as a nautical science instructor at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. and as the section chief, ship control and navigation training simulator, also at the academy. 

Little took command of Kukui in April of 2009, and led the ship through the maintenance of more than 100 aids to navigation throughout 10 waterways in the main Hawaiian Islands. He also led the cutter during two extended out-of-hemisphere law enforcement deployments that amassed over 50 boarding’s and 30 violations of laws and regulations. 

Little will continue his Coast Guard career as special assistant to the vice commandant at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC. 

Capt. Timothy M. Close, 14th Coast Guard District chief of staff, was the presiding official for the ceremony. 

For more information contact Ensign John Jaskot at 808-842-2860.

Editors note: To view high resolution photos click on the images above. 

APRA HARBOR, Guam – In 2009 the Port of Guam was designated a strategic port. The new designation brings additional benefits to the port, which will expand its capabilities as well as the Coast Guard’s involvement with naval vessel protection and maritime security.

The designation of strategic port brings with it many challenges not only for the Coast Guard, but also for all those with a stake in port operations.  For this reason each strategic port is mandated to form a Port Readiness Committee which brings together representatives of the 10 federal agencies and local port stakeholders.  The PRC was established formally this past January when stakeholders met for the first time to begin dialogue on strategic concerns associated with facilitate both defense and commercial supplies through the same port.  The committee is chaired by the captain of the port and includes more than 40 local, federal, and Department of Defense agencies.

Due to the designation, the Port of Guam will have access to additional funding for federal security and port infrastructure projects. Cargo volumes will also increase during periods of military deployment. Perhaps most valuable will be the interaction between the Coast Guard, the Port of Guam, DOD and other partners.  The first meeting of the port readiness committee took place Jan. 25, 2012 in Guam with representatives from the Coast Guard, DOD, Government of Guam, and multiple federal agencies and port stakeholders. During the daylong meeting, committee members discussed the effects of the new designation to include renovations to the port, types of outload activities, maritime security response capabilities, tactics, and other government agency support.

The protection of U.S. strategic seaports is nothing new for the Coast Guard. The service was given authority to regulate the anchorage and movement of ships in 1917 following the devastating explosion of munitions at Black Tom Island in New Jersey, which all but destroyed the port. Since then the Coast Guard has been given authority under multiple acts of Congress, most recently the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, to protect the safety and security of ports and waterways. Most notable are the 16 seaports that have been designated strategic, meaning they are of critical value to the nation. Most recently the Port of Guam joined that list. To meet the requirement of the new designation Coast Guard Sector Guam is taking necessary steps with federal, state and local partners to usher in a new era of safety and security for the Port of Guam.

“Our goal is to work with our port partners to help prepare the Port of Guam to absorb increased cargo flow during a military outload operation,” explained Lt. Charlie Epperson, Sector Guam military outload liaison. “It is in everyone’s best interest to address these concerns well in advance of actual outload operations.”

For more information contact the Coast Guard Sector Guam public affairs officer Lt. j.g. Richard Russell at (671) 688-3917.

 Editor's note: For a high resolution version, click the image above.

HONOLULU – Representatives from Honolulu City and County, the 14th Coast Guard District, Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Hawaii Sail and Power Squadron, and the Honolulu Sail and Power Squadron, hold a signed proclamation for National Safe Boating Week in Honolulu City Hall, Wednesday.

National Safe Boating Week is an annual initiative sponsored by the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary. The purpose of it is to raise awareness of safe boating and ocean practices. Highlights also include the importance of life jackets; purchasing, maintaining and registering an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, carrying safety and communication equipment aboard a vessel and the use of float plans and Paddle Smart stickers. National Safe Boating Week runs from May 19-25.

For more information contact the 14th Coast Guard District public affairs office at 808-535-3230.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Anthony L. Soto

Editor's note: For high resolution image, click on the image above.

Story by Lt. Stephanie Young

Located 430 miles south of Guam in the Western Pacific Ocean, is a small, coral atoll made up of 22 islands called Woleai. Part of the Federated States of Micronesia, the atoll’s inhabitants are isolated from the rest of the world with their only means of communication being a VHF radio.

Woleai is a unique place in the world; everything on the atoll is communal and there are different clans, each with their own chief. Above each clan chief are three paramount chiefs that rule the island. While Woleai Atoll is a place many of us have never heard of, or will likely never visit in our lives, there are approximately 1,000 people who proudly call the atoll “home.” Petty Officer 2nd Class Kensley Raigeluw is one of these people.

Raigeluw is currently stationed aboard Coast Guard Cutter Jarvis, a high-endurance cutter that routinely deploys to the Pacific – from Russia to Panama and everywhere in between. While the crew travels great distances, they were recently able to take a brief departure from their primary mission to reunite Raigeluw with his native soil. It was the first time Raigeluw visited home in 12 years.

It’s hard to imagine a young boy growing up in such an isolated environment finding his way into the U.S. Coast Guard. But Raigeluw’s journey started with a chance encounter when he was just eight and Coast Guard Cutter Basswood came to the atoll.

“I still remember watching their small boat driving up to our beach and my whole community having a party for their crew,” recalled Raigeluw. “They took me on a tour of their ship and all I can remember is thinking that it would be so cool to be one of them, sailing around the world.”

While more than a decade has passed since he has returned, he has strong memories growing up in Woleai, where people live off the land and ocean.

“One of my fondest memories growing up was sitting on the beach in the evening with my father and uncles and learning celestial navigation,” said Raigeluw. “To this day the people of my island learn to navigate by the stars.”

Raigeluw left Woleai in 2000 to attend college in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, followed by the University of Hawaii in Hilo, Hawaii. He earned this opportunity by being one of two people from his island who achieved high enough scores on a college aptitude exam.

Years later, in September 2005, Raigeluw was looking into joining the Army, but happened to see a Coast Guard banner online. It immediately reminded him of the Basswood and he made the decision to join the Coast Guard.

After college he enlisted in the Coast Guard, attending boot camp in Cape May, New Jersey – 9,000 miles away from his native atoll. After graduating from boot camp, he was assigned to Station Rio Vista, Calif., and now Jarvis, bringing him back full circle to the place where he was born.

Anchored offshore, Jarvis’ crew launched both their small boats loaded with donations of canned foods, medical supplies and gifts. When asked what emotions he felt being home after 12 years, with his crew besides him, Raigeluw could only recall one – happiness.

“The day when my ship sailed to Woleai was one of the best days of my life. It is hard to explain how overwhelmed I was with happiness,” said Raigeluw.

“When we arrived on shore I realized most of my uncles were starring at us from beyond the beach and had no clue who I was, especially because I was in my uniform,” recalled Raigeluw. “I had to walk closer to them before they recognized me.”

When word got out one of their own was there, the whole village came out to greet him.

“The feeling of seeing Petty Officer Raigeluw reunited with his family after so many years cannot be put into words,” said Capt. Webster Balding, commanding officer of Jarvis. “It’s one of those things in life that just really makes you appreciate your family, our maritime service and our nation. I believe my heart grew today, definitely a once in a lifetime experience.”

The visit lasted just hours as the cutter had to get back to the mission at hand. But before departing, Raigeluw presented a gift to his family – a photo album containing pictures of his wife and two sons, whom his parents have never met.

While the visit was short lived, Raigeluw will hold onto the memory of his homecoming forever, adding the experience to his already unique perspectives from growing up on Woleai Atoll.

While Raigeluw may have come from a far away place, who he is and what he stands for is something we can all identify with.

“My family has been seafarers for generations; they have sailed all throughout Oceania. Going to sea is in my nature and fits well with my service in the Coast Guard,” said Raigeluw. “In my upbringing, my parents instilled the importance of service to others. I take to heart the Coast Guard’s core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty.”

Editor’s note: For a video and photo of the LA51 in use click on the images above.

HONOLULU - The Coast Guard is implementing the use of a non-lethal signaling and warning device to support the service’s ports waterways and coastal security mission in Hawaii.

The LA51 signal and warning device is a fired from a 12-gauge military shotgun to produce a visible signal at a range of 100 meters. Training will be conducted in a designated firing range approximately 50 miles north of Oahu.

The LA51 signal and warning device is considered a safer alternative to the current warning devices used by Coast Guard personnel. It is a shorter range round, and the flash and noise produced by the device are more prominent than a splash in the water caused by the M16 tracer round.  Additionally, the Department of Defense’s joint non-lethal weapons program has determined through their testing that the LA51 has a low risk of significant injury. 

The Coast Guard has been using the LA51 as a warning signal during alien migrant interdiction operations and counter-drug operations. The LA51 warning device will now be used during security zone enforcement and the execution of the ports waterways and coastal security mission.

For more information regarding this press reelase contact the 14th Coast Guard District public affairs office at 808-535-3230. 

Editor’s note: For a video of the LA51 in use click on the image above.

HONOLULU - The Coast Guard is implementing the use of a non-lethal signaling and warning device to support the service’s ports waterways and coastal security mission in Hawaii.

The LA51 signal and warning device is a fired from a 12-gauge military shotgun to produce a visible signal at a range of 100 meters. Training will be conducted in a designated firing range approximately 50 miles north of Oahu.

The LA51 signal and warning device is considered a safer alternative to the current warning devices used by Coast Guard personnel. It is a shorter range round, and the flash and noise produced by the device are more prominent than a splash in the water caused by the M16 tracer round.  Additionally, the Department of Defense’s joint non-lethal weapons program has determined through their testing that the LA51 has a low risk of significant injury. 

The Coast Guard has been using the LA51 as a warning signal during alien migrant interdiction operations and counter-drug operations. The LA51 warning device will now be used during security zone enforcement and the execution of the ports waterways and coastal security mission.

Local media are invited to view the LA51 signal and warning device during a media event at Coast Guard Station Honolulu, Thursday at 1 p.m. Subject matter experts will be available to discuss how and why the device would be used in Hawaiian waters. The LA51 will not be fired during the media event. Video of the LA51 is available at the link above.

Media interested in attending are asked to be at Coast Guard Base Honolulu on Sand Island no later than 12:45 p.m. Questions may be directed to the 14th Coast Guard District public affairs office at 808-535-3230.