Rescue Teams Sharpen Skills in Saipan Drill

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam and Station Apra Harbor personnel teamed up with local rescue units and enforcement officers from the CNMI for an intensive three-day Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREx) in Saipan from 10-12 September 2024.

This year's exercise brought together a robust team of responders, including members from the CNMI Department of Fire and Emergency and Medical Services, CNMI Customs and Biosecurity, CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the CNMI Division of Fish & Wildlife, all working towards enhancing search and rescue capabilities, communication protocols, and partnerships within the Northern Marianas.

"Seeing the growth and increased readiness of our local agencies over the past few years is truly inspiring," said Chief Petty Officer Richard Hofschneider, a proud Tinian native and part of the Forces Micronesia Emergency Management and Force Readiness staff. "It's not just about the drills; it's about our community coming together. These exercises remind us that we're protecting our homes, families, and friends—something we all take pride in."

The event began with visits to critical facilities, including the Emergency Operations Center at Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the Customs and Biosecurity Office, and the Division of Fish and Wildlife, where U.S. Coast Guard personnel conducted walkthroughs of search and rescue assets, discussed routine operations and procedures, and engaged in meet-and-greets with new leadership, including the Emergency Management and Communications Chiefs. Tropical Storm Bebinca preempted an on-water exercise out of caution and safety. Department of Public Safety personnel were unable to participate due to prior commitments but remain a steadfast search and rescue partner.

Building upon the foundations set in 2022 and exercised again in 2023, this year's SAREx further demonstrated the critical importance of interagency cooperation and training. The multi-day exercise included more than 15 participants.

"We've come so far in our capabilities and readiness to respond to emergencies, and these exercises keep pushing us forward," added Hofschneider. "Our partnerships reflected as recently as September 4 when the team at the Emergency Operations Center in Saipan notified us that the Department of Public Safety in Tinian was responding to a report of a disabled 18-foot recreational vessel with two people aboard about 20 miles off Rota. Our command center team coordinated with U.S. Navy HSC-25, who located the vessel and guided in the DPS rescue boat using visual signals, highlighting the importance of predictive search tools and interagency collaboration."

This year's SAREx continued to build on past successes, including other notable cases over the past two years. Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam personnel plan to continue these exercises in 2025, furthering the growth of federal, local, and military agency collaboration in search and rescue operations.