News Release: International Coast
Guard exercise draws to a close

 Media Advisory: Closing
ceremonies for Pacific Unity 2009 

Photo/Feature Story Release: U.S.,
Russia, Canada work together in
simulated search and rescue

News Feature/Photo Release:
Canadian and U.S. Coast Guard
work together to protect mariners  

A Day of Learning at Sea

Photo Release: Japan Coast Guard welcomes international delegation

Introductions and a day to play

Office of Public Affairs
13th Coast Guard District

Date: Aug. 27, 2009
Contact: Petty Officer Pamela Manns 510-735-6758
Petty Officer Allyson E.T. Conroy 619.247.5064

International Coast Guard exercise draws to a close

SEATTLE -- The North Pacific Coast Guard Forum (NPCGF), an international partnership of Coast Guard-like agencies from Japan, Russian, China, South Korea, Canada and the U.S., ended Aug. 27 with a ceremony at the Coast Guard base on Pier 36 here.

The forum, named Pacific Unity to honor the partnerships that exist among the NPCGF nations, consisted of various training exercises that brought humanitarian professionals from all the NPCGF partner nations to train on Aids to Navigation, Search and Rescue and Maritime Security Operations.

A few representatives from the various countires spoke at the ceremony, and expressed the need to conitune to come together and learn from one another. The purpose of the forum is to foster relationships between the participating nations, and to share ideas and compare operations to gain a better understanding of how the various agencies can better serve the boating community.

The The ships and their crews arrived in Port Angeles, Wash., Aug. 23 and cruised to Seattle Aug. 26.

***Editor's note: For imagery from today's events, please click on the links below.

Photo

SEATTLE – The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midget stand at parade rest on the Coast Guard’s Pier 36 during the closing ceremonies for Pacific Unity Aug. 27.  The Coast Guard representatives from China and South Korea stand in formation next to them, as all three nations participate in the ceremonies.  The three nations took part in the North Pacific Coast Guard Forum (NPCGF), which is an international partnership of Coast Guard-like agencies from Canada, China, Japan, Russian, South Korea and the U.S. The forum took place here and in Port Angeles, Wash., between Aug. 23-27.  (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 1st Class Allyson E.T. Conroy)

Photo

SEATTLE—The Coast Guard Cutter Polar Sea (red, left) and the Coast Guard Cutter Mellon (white, right) are moored at the Coast Guard’s Pier 36 with the Japan Coast Guard Cutter Yashima and the Russian Boarder Guard Vessel Vorovskiy Aug. 27.  The three nations took part in the North Pacific Coast Guard Forum (NPCGF), which is an international partnership of Coast Guard-like agencies from Canada, China, Japan, Russian, South Korea and the U.S. The forum took place here and in Port Angeles, Wash., between Aug. 23-27.  (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 1st Class Allyson E.T. Conroy)

Video

SEATTLE--Pacific Unity 2009, a four-day, international exercise that featured Coast Guard or Coast Guard-like agencies from around the Pacific rim, ends with a closing ceremony at the Coast Guard's Pier 36 Aug. 27, 2009.  The ceremony was held in front of the moored ships from Canada, Japan, Russia and the United States.  China and South Korea observed the exercise, but did not send vessels.  The ships' crews arrived in Port Angeles, Wash., Aug. 23, and cruised to Seattle Aug. 26.  The purpose of the exercise is to foster relationships between the participating nations.  U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns.

***Editor's note: For past releases and imagery, please click on the links below.

North Pacific Coast Guard Forum Pacific Unity Welcome

North Pacific Coast Guard Forum: Pacific Unity Images

North Pacific Coast Guard Forum: Pacific Unity

North Pacific Coast Guard Forum: Pacific Unity Interview

North Pacific Coast Guard Forum: Pacific Unity Siyay arrival

North Pacific Coast Guard Forum: Pacific Unity ATON

Coast Guard Forum ships train together in Seattle, Port Angeles, Wash.

Coast Guard hosts International exercise

U.S., Canada, Russia work together in simulated search and rescue

Canadian and U.S. Coast Guard work together to protect mariners

Japan Coast Guard welcomes international delegation

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 Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

Office of Public Affairs
13th Coast Guard District

Date: Aug. 24, 2009
Contact: Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns

510-735-6758

Japan Coast Guard welcomes international delegation 

PORT ANGELES, Wash. – The Japan Coast Guard crew hosted a reception aboard their cutter, Yashima, here, Monday as a part of Pacific Unity 2009.

The reception featured a martial arts demonstration, musical performances from traditional Japanese instruments, and appetizers of sushi, sashimi and other Japanese delicacies.

Pacific Unity 2009 is a coordinated North Pacific Coast Guard Forum scenario that is focused on demonstrating the partner nations' ability to provide maritime assets during an exercise occurring in the Pacific Northwest.

Japan, Russia, Canada and the United States are sending vessels to take part in the evolutions while two members of the forum; China and South Korea will participate as observers.

Specifically, the partner nations will be coordinating simulated search and rescue, aids to navigation, law enforcement and security operations during the three-day event. In addition, there will be opportunities for the crews participating to join together in social and cultural events aimed at building camaraderie and teamwork.

*Editor's Note- Click on the links below for photos of the marital art demonstration, the musical performances and the Japanese reception.

Photo 1

PORT ANGELES, Wash. - Choji Okunaga, a quarter master in the Japan Coast Guard, demonstrates Kendo, traditional Japanese sword play using bamboo sword, however, Okunaga used a wooden sword for the demonstration, before a crowd of visiting dignitaries aboard the Japan Coast Guard vessel Yashima as part of Pacific Unity 2009 exercise, Aug. 24, 2009. Pacific Unity 2009 is a coordinated North Pacific Coast Guard Forum scenario that is focused on demonstrating the partner nations' ability to provide maritime assets during an exercise occurring in the Pacific Northwest. Japan, Russia, Canada and the United States are sending vessels to take part in the evolutions while two members of the forum; China and South Korea will participate as observers. Specifically, the partner nations will be coordinating simulated search and rescue, aids to navigation, law enforcement and security operations during the three-day event. In addition, there will be opportunities for the crews participating to join together in social and cultural events aimed at building camaraderie and teamwork. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns

Photo 2

PORT ANGELES, Wash. - Yoshiyuki Lino, an aviation machinist's mate in the Japan Coast Guard, demonstrates Japanese sword play using a 500-year-old Katana sword before a crowd of visiting dignitaries aboard the Japan Coast Guard vessel Yashima as part of Pacific Unity 2009 exercise, Aug. 24, 2009. Pacific Unity 2009 is a coordinated North Pacific Coast Guard Forum scenario that is focused on demonstrating the partner nations' ability to provide maritime assets during an exercise occurring in the Pacific Northwest. Japan, Russia, Canada and the United States are sending vessels to take part in the evolutions while two members of the forum; China and South Korea will participate as observers. Specifically, the partner nations will be coordinating simulated search and rescue, aids to navigation, law enforcement and security operations during the three-day event. In addition, there will be opportunities for the crews participating to join together in social and cultural events aimed at building camaraderie and teamwork. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns

Photo 3

PORT ANGELES, Wash. - Tatsuro Imai, an aviation radio man in the Japan Coast Guard, breaks a wood board as part of a martial arts demonstration before a crowd of visiting dignitaries aboard the Japan Coast Guard vessel Yashima as part of Pacific Unity 2009 exercise, Aug. 24, 2009. Pacific Unity 2009 is a coordinated North Pacific Coast Guard Forum scenario that is focused on demonstrating the partner nations' ability to provide maritime assets during an exercise occurring in the Pacific Northwest. Japan, Russia, Canada and the United States are sending vessels to take part in the evolutions while two members of the forum; China and South Korea will participate as observers. Specifically, the partner nations will be coordinating simulated search and rescue, aids to navigation, law enforcement and security operations during the three-day event. In addition, there will be opportunities for the crews participating to join together in social and cultural events aimed at building camaraderie and teamwork. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns

Photo 4

PORT ANGELES, Wash. - Shingo Horie, a quarter master in the Japan Cost Guard, plays a Sanshin, a Japanese 3 strings guitar, originated in Okinawa prefecture, before a crowd of visiting dignitaries aboard the Japan Coast Guard vessel Yashima as part of Pacific Unity 2009 exercise, Aug. 24, 2009. Pacific Unity 2009 is a coordinated North Pacific Coast Guard Forum scenario that is focused on demonstrating the partner nations' ability to provide maritime assets during an exercise occurring in the Pacific Northwest. Japan, Russia, Canada and the United States are sending vessels to take part in the evolutions while two members of the forum; China and South Korea will participate as observers. Specifically, the partner nations will be coordinating simulated search and rescue, aids to navigation, law enforcement and security operations during the three-day event. In addition, there will be opportunities for the crews participating to join together in social and cultural events aimed at building camaraderie and teamwork. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns

Photo 5

PORT ANGELES, Wash. - Shingo Horie, left, a quarter master in the Japan Cost Guard, plays a Sanshin, a Japanese 3 strings guitar, originated in Okinawa prefecture, while Daichi Izumi, also a quarter master, plays a Shakuhachi, a a Japanese Bamboo flute introduced in Japan in 7th centry, before a crowd of visiting dignitaries aboard the Japan Coast Guard vessel Yashima as part of Pacific Unity 2009 exercise, Aug. 24, 2009. Pacific Unity 2009 is a coordinated North Pacific Coast Guard Forum scenario that is focused on demonstrating the partner nations' ability to provide maritime assets during an exercise occurring in the Pacific Northwest. Japan, Russia, Canada and the United States are sending vessels to take part in the evolutions while two members of the forum; China and South Korea will participate as observers. Specifically, the partner nations will be coordinating simulated search and rescue, aids to navigation, law enforcement and security operations during the three-day event. In addition, there will be opportunities for the crews participating to join together in social and cultural events aimed at building camaraderie and teamwork. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns

Photo 6

PORT ANGELES, Wash. - U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. Daniel K. Pickles, the executive officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Midgett, homeported in Seattle, poses with the Commanding Officer of the Japan Coast Guard Cutter Yashima, during a reception hosted by the Japan Coast Guard aboard the Japanese vessel, as part of Pacific Unity 2009, Aug. 24, 2009, here. Pacific Unity 2009 is a coordinated North Pacific Coast Guard Forum scenario that is focused on demonstrating the partner nations' ability to provide maritime assets during an exercise occurring in the Pacific Northwest. Japan, Russia, Canada and the United States are sending vessels to take part in the evolutions while two members of the forum; China and South Korea will participate as observers. Specifically, the partner nations will be coordinating simulated search and rescue, aids to navigation, law enforcement and security operations during the three-day event. In addition, there will be opportunities for the crews participating to join together in social and cultural events aimed at building camaraderie and teamwork. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns

Photo 7

PORT ANGELES, Wash. - U.S Coast Guard officers, far left, and far right, meet with and share appetizers with Russian Border Guard officers, middle, from the Russian vessel Vorovsky, at a reception hosted by the Japan Coast Guard aboard the Japanese vessel Yashima, as part of Pacific Unity 2009, Aug. 24, 2009, here. Pacific Unity 2009 is a coordinated North Pacific Coast Guard Forum scenario that is focused on demonstrating the partner nations' ability to provide maritime assets during an exercise occurring in the Pacific Northwest. Japan, Russia, Canada and the United States are sending vessels to take part in the evolutions while two members of the forum; China and South Korea will participate as observers. Specifically, the partner nations will be coordinating simulated search and rescue, aids to navigation, law enforcement and security operations during the three-day event. In addition, there will be opportunities for the crews participating to join together in social and cultural events aimed at building camaraderie and teamwork. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns

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 Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

Office of Public Affairs
13th Coast Guard District

Date: August 25, 2009
Contact: Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns

510-735-6758

Canadian and U.S. Coast Guard work together to protect mariners

PORT ANGELES, Wash. - The crew from the Canadian Coast Guard Buoy Tender Provo Wallis, homeported in Victoria, British Columbia, cross trained with the crew from the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Henry Blake, homeported in Everett, Wash., today in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  

The crew and cutter arrived in Port Angeles, Wash., Sunday, and are part of the 2009 Pacific Unity exercise. The crew joins the other North Pacific Coast Guard Forum partner nations, China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States. Pacific Unity is about fostering good relationships with the nations that share the Pacific Ocean.

The Provo Wallis worked with the Henry Blake, and shared not only ideas on how to maintain and service buoys and navigational aids but also swapped crews. Each buoy tender took turns pulling and placing the other nation’s buoys in the water.

“This is the first time that I have seen an exchange like this for operations,” said 2nd Officer Jim Garrett, the acting executive officer in charge of the Provo Wallis and a Salt Spring Island, Canada native.

The crews used the cranes on their respective decks to lift the six-ton buoys from their boats and set them in the water. The buoys are held in place by a more than three-ton concrete or steel anchor, known as the rock, attached to the buoy with a thick chain. Once the buoy is set in the water and separated from its connection point on the crane, the rock is then lifted by the crane and placed in the water. After both the buoy and rock are in the water, the chain is released from its shackles on deck with a sledgehammer. The weight of the buoy and rock force the freed chain screaming across the deck into the brackish water, allowing the rock to fall and the buoy to set.

Buoys are brought on deck through a reverse process and are tended by line handlers to ensure the crew has positive control of the wet buoy at all times. Cross training with the U.S. Coast Guard is important, said Garrett.

“Its good to get the different perspectives. Some times an outsider can see something that we are doing, and offer advise on how to do things better, and vise versa,” said Garrett.

“If a disaster strikes, and we are unable to service the Canadian aids, the U.S. Coast Guard will have some familiarity with how our aids work, and would know what needed to be done,” said Garrett.

The Provo Wallis is a red-hulled boat with the large maple leaf painted on the white super structure, and one of the largest ships in the West Coast fleet. At more than 210 feet in length the 24 person, mixed-gender crew is underway 11 months a year, servicing and working on the Canadian navigation aids on the British Columbia Coast, from Juneau, Alaska to Washington State.

The Provo Wallis is out to sea for 28 days at a time, and while underway the crew services more than 200 buoys a year. They replace buoys that get knocked out off station, replace bulbs, change batteries, and conduct routine maintenance vital to protecting mariners and providing continuous accurate and navigation service.

Photo 1

PORT ANGELES, Wash. -- Canadian Coast Guard crew members from the buoy tender Provo Wallis, homeported in Victoria, British Columbia, tend the line on a buoy that is being placed in the water, Aug. 25, 2009 as part of the North Pacific Coast Guard Forum Exercise. The purpose of the forum is to foster relationships between the participating nations of Canada, China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns

Photo 2

PORT ANGELES, Wash. -- Seaman Mark Patrzalek, a San Diego native assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Henry Blake, homeported in Everett, Wash., assists the Canadian Coast Guard aboard buoy tender Provo Wallis, homeported in Victoria, British Columbia, with the setting of a buoy in the water, Aug. 25, 2009 as part of the North Pacific Coast Guard Forum Exercise. The purpose of the forum is to foster relationships between the participating nations of Canada, China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns

Photo 3

PORT ANGELES, Wash. -- U.S. Coast Guard Seaman Mark Patrzalek, a San Diego native assigned to the Cutter Henry Blake, homeported in Everett, Wash., assists the crew of the Canadian Coast Guard buoy tender Provo Wallis, homeported in Victoria, British Columbia, with the placing of a buoy in the water, Aug. 25, 2009 as part of the North Pacific Coast Guard Forum Exercise. The purpose of the forum is to foster relationships between the participating nations of Canada, China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns

Photo 4

PORT ANGELES, Wash. -- Petty Officer 1st Class Jared Crotwell, a Cutoff, La., native and machinery technician stationed aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Henry Blake, homeported in Everett, Wash., acts as buoy-deck supervisor for the crew of the Canadian Coast Guard buoy tender Provo Wallis, homeported in Victoria, British Columbia, Aug. 25, 2009 as part of the North Pacific Coast Guard Forum Exercise. The purpose of the forum is to foster relationships between the participating nations of Canada, China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns

Photo 5

PORT ANGELES, Wash. -- Canadian Coast Guard crew members aboard the buoy tender Provo Wallis, homeported in Victoria, British Columbia, work together to place a buoy in the water, Aug. 25, 2009 as part of the North Pacific Coast Guard Forum Exercise. The purpose of the forum is to foster relationships between the participating nations of Canada, China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns

Photo 6

PORT ANGELES, Wash. -- The crew from the Canadian Coast Guard buoy tender Provo Wallis, homeported in Victoria, British Columbia visited here as part of Pacific Unity 2009, Aug. 25, 2009. The purpose of the exercise is to foster relationships between the participating nations of Canada, China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns

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 Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

Office of Public Affairs
13th Coast Guard District

Date: Aug. 26, 2009
Contact:Petty Officer 1st Class Allyson E.T. Conroy
619.247.5064

U.S., Canada, Russia work together in simulated search and rescue

Through the passing clouds a rainbow welcomed the international Coast Guard community in the small town of Port Angeles, Wash. Crews from the Russia Border Guard, Japan, Canada and the United States Coast Guards made preparations to begin the first official day of exercises, Aug. 25.  The early August morning offered a rare glimpse of Northwest sunshine as the Russia Border Guard Vessel, Vorovskiy, prepared to pull away from the pier and the Japan Coast Guard Cutter Yasima followed just moments later.
    The different Coast Guards rendezvoused in Port Angeles as part of Pacific Unity 2009, an exercise event that focused on partner nations demonstrating their ability to provide maritime assets during a simulated mass disaster in the Pacific Northwest.  Each nation took part in coordinated, simulated scenarios that involved search and rescue, aids to navigation, law enforcement or security operations during the three-day event.
The first exercise for the Vorovskiy was a search and rescue scenario.  After getting underway at 9:15 a.m., the crew on the bridge received word from the international command center that two “people” were reported to be in the water in Puget Sound.
“The two Oscars they are searching for were taken up in a Canadian helicopter and dropped in the water for this exercise,” said Canadian Coast Guard Capt. Duke Snider of the universal search and rescue practice mannequins.  “We dressed up them special for this exercise.”
Immediately after receiving the information about the Oscars, the bridge crew gathered around the navigation table and set to work establishing a search pattern and deciding the best way to search for these two “people.”
    “They did exactly what we would have done.  They drew out a search pattern, put down track lines, and plotted out how they were going to search,” said Capt. Greg Sundgaard, the head of combined operations of the Pacific Unity 2009 working group.
    Meanwhile, lookouts were posted around the ship at the alidades on each deck, with another man alongside searching the ocean through binoculars.
        About an hour and a half into the search one of the Russian lookouts shouted and pointed.  A number of other crewmembers joined him and searched the water in the area, he was pointing to see what was there.  Was it one of the “people” they were looking for? The energy level spiked through the air as the Vorovskiy’s crewmembers prepared to save a life.  
    The ship steamed closer to the object in the water.  Multiple eyes scoured the surface.  When they were close enough to see what it was, the lookout’s face fell.  It was only a log with a seagull on it.  The search continued.  
    Twenty minutes later people were again running all around the starboard deck.  The sailor grabbed his binoculars, pointed his hand in the direction of what he saw in the water.  It didn’t matter that last time something was spotted, it was a false alarm.  These Guardians were excited all over again!
    This one was real.  The small boat was launched and took off toward the object off the starboard bow of the larger ship.  The crew on the small boat pulled the “person” out of the water and brought “him” aboard the small boat.  When they started back toward the Vorovskiy, they were told the second “person” in the water was about 500 yards away.  “He” was rescued as well.  
    The Hawaiian-shorts and tee-shirt-clad Oscars were brought aboard the small boat, and the crew raced back to bring their “survivors” aboard the Vorovskiy.  Once on deck, CPR was administered, the two “victims” were placed on stretchers and taken to the medical wing below deck.  
    “A very successful rescue!” said Sundgaard.
    “Two Canadians rescued by the Russians,” said Canadian Coast Guard Capt. Duke Snider.
    “Always glad to help, as any good sailor would,” said Russian Boarder Guard Officer Leonid Fidurin.
    The clouds rolled over the hills of Port Angeles toward the ocean as the Voroskiy sailed back into port.  Everyone involved in the search and rescue scenario agreed the exercise was a huge success, a mission well-done and new friends made.
    
Photo

PORT ANGELES, Wash. – A crewmember of the Russia Boarder Guard Vessel Vorovskiy looks over the ocean for the person in the water during a simulated exercise as part of Pacific Unity 2009 Aug. 25. (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 1st Class Allyson E.T. Conroy)
 

Photo

PUGET SOUND, Wash. – Crewmembers of the Russia Boarder Guard Vessel Vorovskiy plot a search pattern to search for a simulated person in the water Aug. 25. The Russia Boarder Guard Vessel Vorovskiy took part in the Pacific Unity 2009 in Port Angeles, Wash., and Seattle Aug. 23-28. (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 1st Class Allyson E.T. Conroy)

Photo

PUGET SOUND, Wash. - Crewmembers of the Russia Boarder Guard Vessel Vorovskiy search the ocean for the simulated person in the water Aug. 25. The Russia Boarder Guard Vessel Vorovskiy took part in the Pacific Unity 2009 in Port Angeles, Wash., and Seattle Aug. 23-28. (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 1st Class Allyson E.T. Conroy)

Photo

PUGET SOUND, Wash. – Small boat crewmembers of the Russia Boarder Guard Vessel Vorovskiy head back to the Vorovskiy after rescuing Oscar during a search and rescue simulated scenario Aug. 25, 2009.  The Russia Boarder Guard Vessel Vorovskiy took part in the Pacific Unity 2009 in Port Angeles, Wash., and Seattle Aug. 23-28. (Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 1st Class Allyson E.T. Conroy)

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 Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

Office of Public Affairs
13th Coast Guard District

Date: August 24, 2009
Contact: Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela Manns
(510) 735-6758

Coast Guard hosts International exercise

PORT ANGELES, Wash. - The Coast Guard is hosting North Pacific Coast Guard Forum member nations at a multi-lateral, multi-mission exercise, Sunday through Thursday, here and in Seattle.

This year's exercise is called Pacific Unity and participants will conduct a series of drills designed to test communications and enhance the interoperability of the crews.

The North Pacifc Coast Guard Forum was initiated by the Japan Coast Guard in 2000, and is a voluntary, non-treaty based organization of Coast Guard or Coast Guard-like agencies from: Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the United States.

"Pacific Unity is robust," said Capt. Greg Sundgaard, head of the combined operations working group. "We will be conducting drills in areas of common interest for Forum partners, such as, search and rescue, aids to navigation, and port state control."

Crews will be adapting to dynamic scenarios that change based on information provided by the staff managing the underway portion of Pacific Unity.

This is the first time the Coast Guard has ever hosted a full-scale North Pacific Coast Guard Forum exercise in U.S. waters.  It is also the first visit of a Russian Border Guard vessel to the lower 48 states and the first time Canadian and U.S. Coast Guard buoy tenders will set each other's coastal buoys on the West Coast.

"Our countries each recognize that the Pacific Ocean is a big backyard that none of us can keep watch on alone. We need each other to help combat the types of common threats we face on the high seas," said Sundgaard.

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*EDITOR'S NOTE- Click on the links below for photos of Sunday's events.

Photo 1

PORT ANGELES, Wash.- The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett makes her way here as part of Exercise Pacific Unity 2009 on August 23rd, 2009. Pacific Unity 2009 is a coordinated North Pacific Coast Guard Forum scenario that is focused on demonstrating the partner nation's ability to provide maritime assets during an exercise occurring in the Pacific Northwest. Japan, Russia, Canada and the united States are sending vessels to take part in the evolutions while two members of the Forum, China and South Korea will participating as observers. Specifically, the partner nations will be coordinating simulated search and rescue, aids to navigation, law enforcement and security operations during the three day event. In addition, there will be opportunities for the crews participating to join together in social and cultural events aimed at building camaraderie and team work. Official Coast Guard photo by PA2 Zac Crawford.

Photo 2

PORT ANGELES, Wash.- The Russian Border Guard Vessel Vorovskiy makes its way here as part of Exercise Pacific Unity 2009 on August 23rd, 2009. Pacific Unity 2009 is a coordinated North Pacific Coast Guard Forum scenario that is focused on demonstrating the partner nation's ability to provide maritime assets during an exercise occurring in the Pacific Northwest. Japan, Russia, Canada and the united States are sending vessels to take part in the evolutions while two members of the Forum, China and South Korea will participating as observers. Specifically, the partner nations will be coordinating simulated search and rescue, aids to navigation, law enforcement and security operations during the three day event. In addition, there will be opportunities for the crews participating to join together in social and cultural events aimed at building camaraderie and team work. Official Coast Guard photo by PA2 Zac Crawford.

Photo 3

PORT ANGELES, Wash.- The Japan Coast Guard Cutter Yashima makes its way here as part of Exercise Pacific Unity 2009 on August 23rd, 2009. Pacific Unity 2009 is a coordinated North Pacific Coast Guard Forum scenario that is focused on demonstrating the partner nation's ability to provide maritime assets during an exercise occurring in the Pacific Northwest. Japan, Russia, Canada and the united States are sending vessels to take part in the evolutions while two members of the Forum, China and South Korea will participating as observers. Specifically, the partner nations will be coordinating simulated search and rescue, aids to navigation, law enforcement and security operations during the three day event. In addition, there will be opportunities for the crews participating to join together in social and cultural events aimed at building camaraderie and team work. Official Coast Guard photo by PA2 Zac Crawford.

Photo 4

PORT ANGELES, Wash.- The Canadian Coast Guard Hovercraft Siyay, homeported in Sea Island, Richmond, British Columbia, makes her way here as part of Exercise Pacific Unity 2009 on August 23rd, 2009. Pacific Unity 2009 is a coordinated North Pacific Coast Guard Forum scenario that is focused on demonstrating the parter nation's ability to provide maritime assets during an excercise occuring in the Pacific Northwest. Japan, Russia, Canada and the united States are sending vessels to take part in the evolutions while two members of the Forum, China and South Korea will participating as observers. Specifically, the partner nations will be coordinating simulated search and rescue, aids to navigation, law enforcement and security operations during the three day event. In addition, there will be opportunities for the crews participating to join together in social and cultural events aimed at building camaraderie and team work. Official Coast Guard photo by PA2 Zac Crawford.

Photo 5

PORT ANGELES, Wash.- The Canadian Coast Guard Hovercraft Siyay, homeported in Sea Island, Richmond, British Columbia, makes her landing here as part of Exercise Pacific Unity 2009 on August 23rd, 2009. Pacific Unity 2009 is a coordinated North Pacific Coast Guard Forum scenario that is focused on demonstrating the partner nation's ability to provide maritime assets during an exercise occurring in the Pacific Northwest. Japan, Russia, Canada and the united States are sending vessels to take part in the evolutions while two members of the Forum, China and South Korea will participating as observers. Specifically, the partner nations will be coordinating simulated search and rescue, aids to navigation, law enforcement and security operations during the three day event. In addition, there will be opportunities for the crews participating to join together in social and cultural events aimed at building camaraderie and team work. Official Coast Guard photo by PA2 Zac Crawford.

Photo 6

PORT ANGELES, Wash.- A multi-national group helps to clear a beach head here to make way for the Canadian Coast Guard Hovercraft Siyay, homeported in Sea Island, Richmond, British Columbia, here as part of Exercise Pacific Unity 2009 on August 23rd, 2009. Pacific Unity 2009 is a coordinated North Pacific Coast Guard Forum scenario that is focused on demonstrating the partner nation's ability to provide maritime assets during an exercise occurring in the Pacific Northwest. Japan, Russia, Canada and the united States are sending vessels to take part in the evolutions while two members of the Forum, China and South Korea will participating as observers. Specifically, the partner nations will be coordinating simulated search and rescue, aids to navigation, law enforcement and security operations during the three day event. In addition, there will be opportunities for the crews participating to join together in social and cultural events aimed at building camaraderie and team work. Official Coast Guard photo by PA2 Zac Crawford.

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 Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.