USCGC Sequoia (WLB-215), homeported in Apra Harbor, Guam, is scheduled to arrive in Saipan today, for a port visit before continuing aids to navigation operations in Western Oceania. The Sequoia will be open to the public for tours Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Port of Saipan in Tanapag Harbor. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Pets are not allowed aboard the cutter. Coast Guard crewmembers will be standing by to answer questions about Sequoia.
The Sequoia conducted fisheries enforcement patrols, supporting forum fisheries agency operations and conducting aids to navigation within Western Oceania in support of Operation Tui Moana and Island Chief 2016.
The aim of Operation Tui Moana and Island Chief 2016 is to detect, report and/or apprehend potential illegal, unreported, unregulated activity and to enhance countries throughout the Pacific island regions involvement and participation in maritime fisheries surveillance and response operations.
Media interested in conducting interviews must contact Sequoia's public affairs officer via email: Peter.M.Driscoll@uscg.mil.
In August 2015, Sequoia assisted with relief efforts in Saipan for Typhoon Soudelor by reopening the port to navigation, which allowed the flow of vital supplies and personnel to help restore the island.
Sequoia is a multi-mission, 225-foot, juniper-class seagoing buoy tender. In addition to maintaining aids to navigation in the Marianas and the Marshall Islands, the crew conducts search and rescue, fisheries law enforcement, homeland security, and living marine resources patrols. Sequoia’s crew is responsible for all Coast Guard-maintained aids to navigation in the Western Pacific and has a crew of eight officers and 43 enlisted.