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A. Samoa delegate pushes for stationing of Coast Guard fast cutters in Pago Pago
Rep. Uifa’atali Amata Coleman Radewagen has pushed for the establishment of a Coast Guard installation in American Samoa, saying the presence of fast cutters in the territory aligns with President Donald Trump’s call for increased protection of U.S. maritime borders.
Radewagen said Pago Pago, American Samoa’s capital, has “one of the finest harbors” in the Pacific.
“This would be a powerful statement of U.S. commitment in the South Pacific during a time of (The Chinese Communist Party’s) regional efforts and influence, and the Pacific concerns of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing,” American Samoa’s delegate to Congress said.
Last week, Trump issued an executive order, directing the placement of U.S. Coast Guard around the U.S. maritime borders.
On Jan. 21, Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting commandant, cited the U.S. Pacific territories among key coastline protection areas, where the Coast Guard will “immediately surge assets” to increase its presence.
“We need to continue to strength