The United States and partners from 17 countries and territories successfully concluded the eighth iteration of the Pacific Search and Rescue workshop Friday, culminating more than a decade of joint work on the issue, the USCG reports.
“Members of the Pacific community, including the United States, came together this week to focus on our top shared priority—working together to improve search and rescue across the blue Pacific,” said Rear Adm. Kevin Lunday, Commander, Coast Guard 14th District. “Search and rescue is not just something we do; it is a principal mission that defines who we are. And we work with and depend on search and rescue experts in Pacific Island Country partners and allies each day to save those in peril on the sea. This week’s important workshop and exercise not only will save more lives, but also strengthen maritime governance among the Pacific community, which is part of the rules-based international order that is essential to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
On behalf of the Pacific Search and Rescue Steering Committee, the United States hosted delegations from around the Pacific in Honolulu at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies to discuss search and rescue throughout the region. At the conclusion, Australia received the chair from the United States.