Guam - Guam News

Guam - Captain Thomas Sparks, Commander, Coast Guard Sector Guam, presented the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation

with Operational Distinguishing Device to members of the military detachment onboard the USNS ALAN SHEPARD Tuesday morning, March 9 for their role in the Typhoon Choi-Wan Humanitarian Assistance Team.

On 16 September 2010, Typhoon Choi-Wan swept through Agrihan and Alamagan islands in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) leaving the islanders in dire need of aid. USNS ALAN SHEPARD was the closest asset to the islands, and within 15 hours of notification, the crew of the USNS ALAN SHEPARD answered the call for help in an interagency-coordinated response. The critical support that was provided included a delivery of life-saving supplies, food, 260 gallons of fresh water, and medical attention for 18 people on both islands.

The rapid response and professional competence of the Humanitarian Assistance Team greatly assisted the remote island communities of Agrihan and Alamagan.

For maritime emergencies, call the Coast Guard 24 hours a day at (671) 564-USCG or 91