SAIPAN — The crew of USCGC Frederick Hatch completed a 20-day patrol of U.S. waters stretching from Guam to the remote Northern Mariana Islands last month, logging 186 hours underway, delivering 1,500 pounds of supplies to residents of Pagan and Agrihan, and conducting a four-day search for a swimmer swept off a Guam beach.
The Frederick Hatch deployed Feb. 9 through March 1 under Operation Rematau, the Coast Guard’s standing law enforcement and security operation in Micronesia. The patrol covered more than 500 miles of U.S. territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone surrounding Guam, Saipan, Tinian, Pagan and Agrihan, with the mission of detecting and deterring illegal migration and enforcing federal law.
A CNMI Department of Fish and Wildlife officer embarked for a portion of the patrol to monitor offshore maritime activity and assess conditions around the Northern Islands, reinforcing the interagency partnership that underpins federal law enforcement in the region.
While operating in the Northern Islands, the crew transported 1,500 pounds of food and supplies from Saipan and delivered them to the small communities on Pagan and Agrihan. Both volcanic islands sit roughly 200 miles north of Saipan with no regular transportation links.
“When we pulled into Pagan and Agrihan and handed supplies to people who haven’t seen a ship in months, you remember why this job matters,” said Lt. Anna Maria Vaccaro, commanding officer of the Frederick Hatch.
On the evening of Feb. 10, a 22-year-old swimmer was swept beyond the reef line by strong rip currents at Tanguisson Beach on Guam’s western coast. The Frederick Hatch crew executed a short-notice recall and got underway that night, conducting 96 hours of offshore search operations alongside Coast Guard Station Apra Harbor, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, Guam Fire Rescue, Guam Police and Guam National Guard aviation assets. The swimmer was not found.
“Our crew sends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the swimmer who remains missing,” Vaccaro said.
The patrol also advanced crew readiness, with five members qualifying in roles ranging from quartermaster of the watch to boat deck captain. The crew completed multiple damage control and engineering training evolutions during the deployment.
“They went from planned maritime security operations to a 96-hour search and rescue case on a few hours’ notice and never lost focus,” Vaccaro said.
Photos courtesy United States Coast Guard Forces Micronesia / Sector Guam
