Special to Hawaii 24/7 by Petty Officer Melissa Leake

It might be the smallest of detail, but it can also mean the difference between separating a successful search and rescue case from a missing person report or worse.

Coast Guard Pacific Area is launching Operation Paddle Smart, and the campaign, distributed broadly and aimed at reaching small craft owners enjoying the waterways, begins simply with a free sticker.

The weather-proof sticker, self-applied to the small craft, is intended to return property, reduce the number of Coast Guard resources spent on unnecessary search and rescue cases, and foster voluntary small craft owner assistance.

“This is a win-win program for the boating public and the Coast Guard no matter where you are geographically,” said Coast Guard Capt. Charley Diaz, Pacific Area chief of staff. “It makes for a more effective response, and this program will save lives.”

Diaz said putting two correct phone numbers on the reflective sticker is the most important thing to remember when filling out the owner information.

“If someone’s out on the water and their kayak has turned over, their cell phone is now at the bottom of the ocean. We want the alternate number to call and verify if there’s an emergency, or to return the property to its owner,” he said. “It’s all about having the right information.”

The Paddle Smart stickers were also featured at the 2009 Coast Guard Innovation Exposition in Virginia Beach, Va.

“The expo was a great way for us to showcase what we’ve been working on. It gave the Coast Guard a chance to really see what Paddle Smart is, and it’s important because it takes our best practices, expands and disseminates them,” said Vice Adm. Jody Breckenridge, Pacific Area and Defense Forces West commander.

The Coast Guard created a team of Coast Guard and auxiliary boating safety experts to help get the word out to the public. The team worked for months developing strategic ways to make the sticker more effective and help the public obtain the free sticker.

“We all put in a team effort to turn this idea into a reality,” said Jeff Seifried, a member of the team. “Coast Guard districts will distribute the stickers to the sectors and auxiliaries, and each of those assets will provide the stickers to anyone who has a small, unregistered water craft or as they see fit.”

Seifried said the sticker is also going to be very beneficial to taxpayers.

“The benefit comes from being able to identify a real emergency. If the Coast Guard isn’t using resources searching for someone who isn’t missing, it’s going to save a lot of time and money. We’re not putting Coast Guard rescue crews at an unnecessary risk and at the same time, it could ease a family’s anxiety to know there isn’t an emergency,” he said.

Seifried said the team is working to educate the public about the free stickers and their importance. The stickers and further information will be available by the 2010 boating season.

“It’s simple, extremely beneficial and free,” he said. “I can’t come up with a reason why you wouldn’t want to use it. With a little bit of information you can help the Coast Guard find your property or save your life.”

— Find out more:

CoastGuardNews.com/

UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE (2/10/10)

U.S. Coast Guard crews medically evacuate Hou Chun 11 crewmembers

HONOLULU – A Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules aircrew arrived here with two injured crewmembers from the fishing vessel Hou Chun 11 at approximately 10 p.m. Wednesday.

The two injured crewmembers are currently en route to Straub Clinic and Hospital here.

The Air Station Barbers Point crew medically evacuated the injured crewmembers from Christmas Island, Kiribati, at approximately 5 p.m. Wednesday after the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley transported the injured to Christmas Island via small boat. According to the crew of the cutter Alex Haley, the remaining crewmembers were assisted off the cutter into a small outrigger and taken to shore.

Two sister ships of the Hou Chun 11 are en route to the scene of the burned vessel and to Christmas Island to pickup the remaining crewmembers.

Hawaii and Alaska-based Coast Guard crews located the 28-member crew of the disabled fishing vessel early Tuesday morning and provided medical care to injured crewmembers during the transit to Christmas Island. The cutter Alex Haley, homeported in Kodiak, Alaska, arrived on scene at approximately 3 a.m. Tuesday and rescued the fishing vessel crew, who had abandoned their ship onto life rafts. The Air Station Barbers Point crew remained on scene to coordinate the position of the life rafts. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy aircrews had remained on scene throughout the night Monday to monitor the position of the life rafts.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, but the Coast Guard will continue monitor the situation.

MEDIA RELEASE

Coast Guard crews have located the 28-member crew of the disabled fishing vessel Hou Chun 11 early Tuesday morning (Feb. 9) and are providing medical care to injured crewmembers.

Corpsmen aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley are treating two Hou Chun 11 crewmembers who are reported to have suffered burns. The Alex Haley will transit to Christmas Island, Kiribati, where the two burn victims are scheduled to be medically evacuated.

The Alex Haley arrived on scene at approximately 3 a.m. Tuesday. A Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point HC-130 Hercules aircrew remained on scene after the Alex Haley arrived to coordinate the exact position of the life rafts.

Coast Guard and U.S. Navy aircrews remained on scene throughout the night.

The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Coast Guard Joint Rescue Coordination Center watchstanders received the call here Monday at 7:30 a.m. about a fire aboard the fishing vessel Hou Chun 11 and launched a Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules at 10 a.m. to the vessel’s location 900 miles southwest of Honolulu.

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley, homeported in Kodiak, Alaska, and a U.S. Navy P-3 aircrew also responded to the call.

See related story and Coast Guard video

By Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael De Nyse | Special to Hawaii 24/7

U.S. Coast Guardsmen from units on Kauai and Maui partnered with local Coast Guard Auxiliarists on Molokai to celebrate giving gifts to the “alii” (the ruling chief) and compete in team games during a Native Hawaiian festival featuring ancient ceremonies, Saturday, Jan. 31.

The crews of the Coast Guard Cutter Kiska, a 110-foot patrol boat home ported in Hilo, the Cutter Kittiwake, an 87-foot patrol boat home ported in Nawiliwili, and a 45-foot Response Boat Medium (RBM) from Station Maui joined Molokai residents to celebrate the 29th Annual Ka Molokai Makahiki events.

The clouds parted and the rain let up just as Coast Guard Rear Adm. Manson K. Brown, the 14th District Commander, Lt. Charlotte Mundy, Kiska’s commanding officer, and Lt. Gordon Hood, Kittiwake’s commanding officer, presented gifts during the games’ opening ceremony.

Brown was also accompanied by several members of his command cadre and numerous Coast Guard family members during the presentation.

“I have never seen so many Coast Guard family members here during these games,” an Auxiliarist and game participant said. “Despite the weather, this is really the best turnout ever.”

During the festivities, the Coast Guard crews of both patrol boats conducted the tours and held an open house for Molokai residents who wanted to learn more about the Coast Guard.

For many of the Coast Guardsmen, it was their first glimpse of authentic Hawaiian traditions and an opportunity to share their Coast Guard stories with Molokai natives.

Seaman Jacob Lovell, a Kittiwake deck crewmember from Spring Branch, Texas, joined the Coast Guard only eight months ago, and found himself honored to be in attendance at the games.

“It’s great that the people of Molokai allowed us to join in the games so we can show our support,” said Lovell. “In my opinion, the Coast Guard extended its own ohana (family) today.”

According to ancient Hawaiian tradition, the Makahiki season was a festival held in honor of the god Lono. The people stopped work, made offerings to the chief, and then spent their time practicing sports, feasting, dancing and having a fun time. War during those four months was forbidden according to tradition.

“This is a great event that shows the Coast Guard not only cares about saving lives, but they care about the culture of our people as well,” said Kimo Young, a participant in the games and Molokai resident. “The Coast Guard members are always excited and always ready to participate in our traditional ceremonies.”

The youths competed during the morning and into the afternoon followed by the adults. There were 10 events, including the Haka Moa, Hukihuki, Kukini, Mao Pahee, Oo Ihe, Pa Uma, Pohaku Hooikaika, Ulu Maika, and Uma.

Each event involved a Coast Guard member competing against a Molokaiian. Many of the games are very similar to some of the popular games played today like bowling, tug-of-war and arm wrestling. The only difference is many of the games are played with stones and hand-crafted wood.

Along with the ceremony and games that were held in downtown Kaunakakai, the residents also staged an arts and crafts festival and cookout.

“The traditional Makahiki festival occurs at the end of the harvest season and is one of the most important festivals of the Hawaiian culture,” said Lenna ‘Aunty’ Kehema, a Molokai shaved-ice vendor. “We were very proud to host the Coast Guard and were glad they enjoyed themselves and hopefully they learned a lot.”

Game definitions:

Haka moa, also known as the chicken fight, is when two wrestlers stand on a single leg while holding the other ankle behind them, and linking one hand to hand. The goal is to knock down or push the other person out of the circle.
Hukihuki is the Hawaiian name for the tug-of-war.

Kukini, meaning to run swiftly, includes 100-meter and 440-meter runs.
Moa pahee is much like a short, wooden dart that is slid across the grass in through a small rectangular target.

Oo Ihe is much like spear throwing at three different objects.

Pa uma is another form or arm wrestling, but standing up instead of sitting down.

Pohaku Hooikaika is just like the shot-put, but with a large stone.

Ulu maika is much like lawn bowling, but with a small stone about three or four inches in diameter that is rolled through a small rectangular target.

Uma is the same as hand wrestling, but the players lay on the ground.

For the past 29 years, the Auxiliary in Molokai has sponsored Coast Guard teams in the Ka Molokai Makahiki. The Molokai Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla (Flotilla 140-03-25) is active in promoting recreational boating safety in Molokai through public education and vessel safety checks, Coast Guard-supported projects, and with state harbors officials and other state and federal agencies

Coast Guard announces publication of notice of intention to terminate the Long Range Aids to Navigation (Loran-C) signal

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard’s Director of Prevention Policy announced Thursday (Jan 7) publication in the Federal Register of plans to cease broadcasting the North American Loran-C signal Feb. 8.

As a result of technological advancements during the last 20 years and the emergence of the U.S. Global Positioning System, Loran-C is no longer required by the armed forces, the transportation sector or the nation’s security interests, and is used by only a small segment of the population.

President Barack Obama’s fiscal year 2010 budget supported the termination of outdated systems and specifically cited the terrestrial-based North American Loran-C system as such an example. The president did not seek funding for the Loran-C system in fiscal year 2010. Termination was also supported through the enactment of the 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill.

The decision to terminate transmission of the Loran-C signal reflects the president’s pledge to eliminate unnecessary federal programs.

The Loran-C system was not established as, nor was it intended to be, a viable systemic backup for GPS. If a single, domestic national system to back up GPS is identified as being necessary, the Department of Homeland Security will complete an analysis of potential backups to GPS. The continued active operation of Loran-C is not necessary to advance this evaluation.

The notice may be viewed online at www.regulations.gov, docket number: USCG-2009-0299. for more information on terminations, reductions and savings contained in the fiscal year 2010 budget, including Loran-C, visit www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/TRS/

MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU — The U.S. Coast Guard suspended the search for Devin Johnson, a 23-year-old fisherman last seen early Friday morning approximately 60 miles west of the Big Island.

The Coast Guard notified the family and officially suspended the search at 7:30 p.m. pending any further developments.

Air crews aboard a Coast Guard C-130 long-range search plane and HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter were on scene at first light Sunday morning and searched throughout the day.

Also searching today were air crews aboard a Navy P-3 Orion fixed-wing aircraft and SH-60 Seahawk rescue helicopter from the Navy’s HSL Squadron 37. Both aircraft are based at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe.

A search directed from the Coast Guard’s 24-hour Honolulu Harbor command center covered more than 8,000 square miles — an area nearly twice the size of the Big Island.

“It’s always difficult to suspend a search,” said Capt. Barry Compagnoni, the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Honolulu, and the senior-most Coast Guard officer responsible for directing the search.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Devin Johnson’s family, friends and loved ones during this tragic time. We saturated the search area with as many assets as we could bring to bear and it is extremely unfortunate we were unable to find any sign.”

Searchers on scene today reported weather conditions of seas of five feet and winds from the southeast at 25 mph.

Anyone with further information about the missing man is asked to contact the Coast Guard at 808-842-2600 or via VHF marine band radio channel 16 or the Hawaii Police Department on the Big Island.

U.S. Coast Guard search for missing fisherman continues in deteriorating weather

Nov. 14, 2009

HONOLULU — The U.S. Coast Guard continues a search for Devin Johnson, a 23-year-old fisherman last seen early Friday morning approximately 60 miles west of the Big Island.
Air crews aboard a Coast Guard C-130 long-range search plane and HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter were on scene at first light Saturday morning. The 18-member crew of the Hilo-based Coast Guard cutter Kiska has been on scene searching continuously since Friday afternoon.

Also searching today are air crews aboard a Navy P-3 Orion fixed-wing aircraft and SH-60 Seahawk rescue helicopter from the Navy’s HSL Squadron 37. Both aircraft are based at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe.

A search directed from the Coast Guard’s 24-hour Honolulu Harbor command center has covered more than 6,000 square miles — an area nearly 10 times the size of Oahu. Also on scene searching are friends and relatives aboard at least five private vessels.

Searchers on scene have reported deteriorating weather conditions with seas of 12 feet and winds from the southeast at 25 mph. Johnson was last seen wearing an olive green sweater and black shorts, but no life jacket.

Anyone with further information about the missing man is asked to contact the Coast Guard at 808-842-2600 or via VHF marine band radio channel 16 or the Hawaii Police Department on the Big Island.

MEDIA RELEASE

Big Island police have opened a missing person case in connection with a missing fisherman.

Devin Johnson, 23, of Kamuela was last seen on a commercial fishing boat 60 miles south of Kona. He and his brother were taking turns tending the lines while the other slept. When Johnson’s brother woke up at 2 a.m. Friday (November 13), he discovered that Johnson was missing.

The U.S. Coast Guard and sailors on private vessels are searching for him. He is described as Caucasian, 5-foot-11, 160 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair.

Police ask that anyone with information on his whereabouts call Acting Lieutenant Myra Iwamoto at 326-4646, extension 281, or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

UPDATE: U.S. Coast Guard continues search for missing fisherman who went overboard off the Big Island
Nov. 13, 2009

HONOLULU — The U.S. Coast Guard continues the search for Devin Johnson, a 25-year-old fisherman last seen early Friday morning before he went overboard approximately 60 miles west of the Big Island. Search patterns have been planned for assets through tonight into Saturday morning.

On scene today were crew members aboard an HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter, C-130 long-range search plane from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, and the 18-person crew from the Coast Guard Cutter Kiska, a 110-foot patrol boat. The Kiska arrived on scene at 5 p.m., and the crew is coordinating their efforts with all rescuers in the area.

Rescuers aboard U.S. Navy SH-60 Seahawks, from HSL Squadron 37 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, are also assisting on the search; which will have covered by nightfall more than 2,000 square miles – an area twice the size of the Oahu.

All members of the Coast Guard rescue party will search throughout the night. A C-130 search plane and a Navy P-3 Orion fixed-wing aircraft are slated for a first-light search Saturday morning.

Weather in the area is reported to be seas of eight feet and winds from the southeast at 25 mph. Devon Johnson was last seen wearing an olive green sweater and black shorts, but no life jacket. Anyone with further information about the missing man is asked to contact the Coast Guard’s 24-hour Honolulu Harbor command center at 808-842-2600 or via VHF marine band radio channel 16.
NOTE: Media are asked to contact the Coast Guard’s public affairs team at 808-535-3230 for more information about this release. Imagery is not available at this time.

MEDIA RELEASE BY U.S. Coast Guard

HONOLULU — U.S. Coast Guard crews are searching for a fisherman who went missing approximately 60 miles west of the Big Island Friday.

Rescue crews aboard an HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter and C-130 long-range aircraft from Air Station Barbers Point are on scene and searching for any signs of Devin Johnson, a 25-year-old fisherman who went overboard.

A second fisherman aboard the 34-foot Kealia, Dennis Johnson, stopped the vessel and called for help when he noticed his crewmate missing. Dennis and Devon Johnson are twin brothers. The two were about to switch helm duties aboard the vessel when Dennis noticed his brother missing.

Dennis Johnson called the Kealia’s owner, who in turned called the Coast Guard in Honolulu at 2:45 a.m. Friday. The Coast Guard launched the air crews immediately and two 110-foot patrol boats, the Honolulu-based Galveston Islandand Hilo-based Kiska, were underway before sunrise and en route.

Devon Johnson was last seen wearing an olive green sweater and black shorts, but no life jacket.

“The dark clothing and absence of a personal flotation device does present some difficulties with the search,” said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Barry Compagnoni, the commanding officer of Sector Honolulu and the senior officer directing the search. “But, we will continue to put as many assets out there as we can. We are hopeful we’ve put together an accurate search area.”

The Coast Guard has searched more than 1,600 square miles — an area more than twice the size of the island of Maui — and has asked the HSL Squadron 37 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii for aerial assistance with the search. The HSL Squadron 37 flies SH-60 Seahawks.

Also expected to join the search are as many as five private fishing vessels from the Kailua-Kona side of the Big Island and a family friend with an aircraft. The Coast Guard will coordinate the efforts of those searchers once the patrol boat Kiska is on scene. The 18-person crew was expected to arrive on scene early this afternoon.

Weather in the area is reported to be seas of eight feet and winds from the southeast at 25 mph. Anyone with further information about the missing man is asked to contact the Coast Guard’s 24-hour Honolulu Harbor command center at 808-842-2600 or via VHF marine band radio channel 16.

MEDIA RELEASE

Columbia College has announced the Coast Guard Spouse Grant, a new program that offers a 50 percent tuition reduction to spouses of Coast Guard servicemembers.

The new program, modeled after the Department of Defense’s DoD spouse tuition scholarship program known as the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account MyCAA, offers financial tuition support for eligible Coast Guard spouses.

“The Department of Defense’s Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts program represents a unique educational opportunity for spouses in every other branch of the military,” said Ramona McAfee, assistant dean for military services at Columbia College. “As a premier military-education provider, it’s important to offer financial support to Coast Guard spouses as well.”

The Coast Guard Spouse Grant provides financial support for eligible Coast Guard spouses comparable to that of other servicemember spouses using the MyCAA program. This support is equivalent to a 50 percent reduction per credit hour for a maximum amount of $6,000 per spouse.

Coast Guard spouses are not restricted to any particular campus. The college currently has one campus on a Coast Guard base, in Alameda, Calif., and 17 other campuses on military bases.

Currently, more than 300 members of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve attend Columbia College. In addition, Columbia College has more than 8,000 military learners enrolled online or through its nationwide campuses.

The new program applies toward tuition only, and the student would pay the remainder of the advertised tuition rate. Students must be degree-seeking and fully admitted to Columbia College.

Columbia College also has been recognized as a “gold standard” leader in military-friendly education by Military Advanced Education.

Columbia College, a private, nonprofit institution founded in 1851 in Columbia, Mo., educates 25,000 students each year and has more than 61,000 alumni worldwide.

For more information on the Coast Guard Spouse Grant, call Ramona McAfee at 573 875-7579 or visit www.ccis.edu/cgsg/

TERN ISLAND, French Frigate Shoals — A U.S. Coast Guard C-130 long-range search plane from Air Station Barbers Point lands on Tern Island in the French Frigate Shoals, Wednesday, Oct. 21 ahead of the inbound Hurricane Neki. (U.S. Coast Guard video)

MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU — A crew from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point rescued 10 people from Tern Island, part of the French Frigate Shoals (FFS), Wednesday afternoon.

Officials from the local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contacted Coast Guard search and rescue coordinators here at approximately 2 p.m. Tuesday requesting the evacuation of their personnel as a precaution to the inbound Hurricane Neki.

The runway at FFS is very short and consists of crushed coral; the island is also covered with birds that pose a serious bird strike risk, according to search and rescue coordinators located in Honolulu; however, the Coast Guard C-130 long-range search plane crew was able to safely land their aircraft.

The C-130 landed on Oahu at about 3 p.m. Wednesday, after the 475 nautical mile flight from Tern Island.

“I turned to my crew and said, ‘If a storm hits this tiny island, these people might not make it – we have to get these guys,’” said Lt. j.g. David Shook, the C-130 pilot. “The landing was a major concern for me and my crew, but the crew’s professionalism made all the difference.”

“We are incredibly grateful to U.S. Coast Guard District 14, especially the pilots and crew of today’s C-130; they are true heroes in today’s world,” said Susan White, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Superintendent for Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.

“They’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the safety of our 10 people on Tern Island. Knowing that our people are safe is our primary concern, and now a huge weight is lifted thanks to the Coast Guard,” White said. “Our attention now turns to focusing on status and recovery of nesting seabirds, other marine wildlife, and our facilities. Once again, the Coast Guard lived up to its motto of ‘Always Ready.’”

MEDIA RELEASE

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal partners remain engaged in preparedness efforts throughout the Pacific, following the earthquake and tsunami in Samoa last week.

FEMA and federal teams, through the Federal Coordinating Officer, continue to work closely with American Samoan Gov. Togiola Tulafono, as well as Delegate Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, to provide response in areas of American Samoa impacted by Tuesday’s tsunami. 

“In addition to our efforts in support of the Governor of American Samoa, we recognize the significant impact of current disasters in other Pacific regions, including Indonesia, the Philippines and Taiwan,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “We are working closely with the Governor to meet his priorities as federal support continues to flow into American Samoa. As we continue to respond and recover in U.S. Territories, our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in harms way. These events remind us how important preparedness and teamwork are to saving lives and ultimately rebuilding communities.”

A team of more than 300 responders from FEMA, American Red Cross, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies are on the ground in American Samoa. 

These personnel comprise the immediate response force, including Incident Management Assessment Teams (IMAT), Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT), and Public Health Assistance Teams. Other personnel are assisting with community efforts.

The Coast Guard, National Guard, and United States Navy have provided critical transport of the life-saving and life-sustaining supplies and equipment to meet the immediate needs of the survivors, including more than 26,000 meals, 14,000 liters of water, 1,800 blankets, 800 tents, more than 800 cots, and nine pallets of medical supplies and medical equipment in support of the territory’s mass care operations. 

Several generators have been deployed, with more on the way. These generators will supply communities and critical infrastructure with power. 

In accordance with the governor’s priority recovery efforts, debris removal planning is also underway and recovery specialists, including a housing planning team, are being identified and assembled 

As residents begin to return to their homes, FEMA cautions them to be safe. FEMA cautions all persons on the island to be aware of potential hazards and advises that residents continue to follow guidance of local officials in clearing debris. 

FEMA continues to coordinate with our federal partners, providing the following support to the region. Additional information on response and recovery efforts can be found below: 

American Red Cross (ARC): ARC has conducted a preliminary disaster assessment and reports extensive destruction west of Leone, City of Pago Pago and the eastern most portion of the island. ARC continues to deploy volunteers on the ground in American Samoa providing food and supplies in affected areas; deploying additional equipment such as computers, cell phones and satellite phones. The Red Cross has activated their Safe and Well program to assist families with finding missing loved ones and is assisting shelter residents with registration on the Web site. 

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG): Port assessments report no significant pollution and no obstructions to commercial traffic. The Navigation Team has completed the assessment of water navigation aids for American Samoa and the surrounding islands; all aids are intact and considered ready to support day and night operations. 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Disaster Medical Assistance Teams are providing medical support to survivors; a public health official has been deployed along with other support staff including public health experts; providing medical and pharmaceutical equipment and supplies. 

U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI): DOI representative assisting the FEMA National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) with response and recovery planning. 

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): Analysts at the USGS National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) are providing a range of information products to support emergency response and relief operations and will be conducting a post-tsunami investigation. 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): USACE reports the water system on American Samoa is functioning to near normal capacity but pressure is limited in some areas. Soldiers from the 249th Prime Power Engineer Battalion are assisting with the management of the Honolulu District’s Emergency Power PRT with the installation of FEMA generators at critical prioritized life-saving and life-sustaining public facilities like shelters, sewer and water treatment plants or emergency management and response facilities. 

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD): Defense Coordinating Officer assisting with IMATs. 

National Guard Bureau (NGB): A fourth National Guard C-17 delivered Joint Task Force (JTF) equipment; JTF personnel augmenting the FEMA Damage Assessment Teams; Hawaii National Guard’s 93rd Civil Support Team (CST) conducting medical support and HAZMAT surveys, Hawaii National Guard’s CERFP (Chemical, Biological, Radiological Nuclear Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package) performing mobile medical missions and clearing debris. 

Small Business Administration (SBA): Deploying assistance workers to assist in recovery efforts; SBA customer service representatives will issue disaster loan applications, explain the process and answer questions. 

Internal Revenue Service (IRS): The IRS is postponing certain deadlines for taxpayers who reside or have a business in the disaster area. For details and additional information please visit www.irs.gov, use keyword American Samoa Tsunami. 

Family Reunification 

The following information is in response to the requests FEMA has received for information on family reunification services and charitable donations for the relief effort in American Samoa.  

Reuniting Families. To facilitate the reunification of families separated due to American Samoa tsunami the Red Cross has activated their “Safe and Well” program, which assists families with locating missing loved ones. Families can register on the Red Cross Safe and Well Web site at disastersafe.redcross.org/ or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to register their loved ones. 

Charitable Donations. FEMA has received many inquiries asking how to help support the response and recovery efforts. Please tell your members and constituents that monetary donations to nonprofit organizations responding to disaster is the best option for helping those affected. Financial donations will allow voluntary agencies to purchase essential items locally that are most needed by disaster survivors. Any items that are donated will have to be physically shipped to the island, which takes a substantial amount of time and requires addition funding for transportation. Below are some examples of organizations that your constituents could assist: 

The American Red Cross has deployed volunteers on the ground in American Samoa and are working to meet the mass care needs of the affected population by providing food and supplies in the area. Your financial support will help the American Red Cross respond quickly to disasters like the Pacific Islands Tsunami in American Samoa and Samoa. You can donate by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or (1-800-257-7575 for Spanish), or visiting www.redcross.org, to donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) Member organizations are actively involved in relief efforts in American Samoa and preparing for Typhoon Melor in the Northern Marianas Islands. For a list of National VOAD members and links to their Web sites, visit www.nvoad.org/.

This isn’t in Hawaii, but it is a reminder of what our service members accomplish every day, even on the homefront. Plus, it’s why we love helicopter pilots.

ASTORIA, Ore. – The Coast Guard medically evacuated a crewmember from a U.S. Navy submarine off the coast of Washington, Tuesday (Sept 29). The Navy contacted the Coast Guard at 5:50 p.m. to request assistance in transferring a crewmember to a hospital from a submarine. Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, Ore., launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew to assist. The rescue helicopter arrived on scene at 7:12 p.m. and hoisted the crewmember by basket from the sail of the submarine. The crewmember was transferred to Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Ore. (U.S. Coast Guard video/Air Station Astoria)

U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point crew members Petty Officer 2nd Class Ray Oliveira and Petty Officer 2nd Class Yahya Sharp drop medical supplies from a C-130 search plane to the cruise ship Carnival Spirit, approximately 230 miles northeast of Honolulu, Monday (Sept. 21). (U.S. Coast Guard video/Petty Officer 3rd Class Angela Henderson)

MEDIA RELEASE

A U.S. Coast Guard air crew medically evacuated an ill 63-year-old male from the cruise ship Carnival Spirit Monday.

Eleventh Coast Guard District Command Center watch standers, located in Alameda, Calif., received the distress call from the crew of the 959-foot cruise ship Saturday at 1 p.m.

Coast Guard Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) watch standers, located here, were contacted at 11 p.m. Saturday after the cruise ship’s doctor reported the man’s condition was deteriorating.

JRCC watch standers placed the cruise ship on a firm communications schedule. The ship’s doctor reported Sunday afternoon that the man needed vital medication by 2 p.m. Monday because the ship’s supply was running low.

An Air Station Barbers Point C-130 long-range search plane crew air dropped the medication to the cruise ship 200 miles northeast of Oahu at 12:30 p.m. Monday.

When the cruise ship was 100 miles of Oahu Monday, an HH-65 rescue helicopter crew medically evacuated the man via a rescue basket at 5:40 p.m.

The man was taken to Tripler Army Medical Center at 6:20 p.m.

“The communications between the JRCC, Eleventh (Coast Guard) District and cruise ship personnel were vital to the success of this operation,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Franco Hernandez, a JRCC watch stander.