Speeches & Testimony

I rise today to express my steadfast support for and mahalo to the crew of Coast Guard Hollyhock as we recognize the completion of their first Operation Blue Pacific patrol.

The Hollyhock is a seagoing buoy tender, which the Coast Guard uses to monitor and perform repairs and maintenance on buoys and other navigational aids in U.S. territories and other areas with U.S. shipping interests. Originally ported in Port Huron, Michigan, the Hollyhock was reassigned to Honolulu in October of last year.

In April, the 50-person crew departed from Honolulu for the 42-day long Operation Blue Pacific where they traveled over 7,500 nautical miles throughout the broader Oceania region.

Operation Blue Pacific is an ongoing multi-mission Coast Guard initiative across Oceania to bolster ties with Pacific Island nations and communities. The mission also contributes to broader U.S. efforts to monitor regional security developments and counter malign influence in the Pacific.

My home state of Hawai‘i relies heavily on and has benefited greatly from the presence of the Coast Guard. We fully appreciate the Coast Guard’s direct support of Hawai‘i residents, both generally and through its District Oceania headquarters in Honolulu, in performance of its statutory missions like search and rescue and maritime environmental protection. But I would like to especially highlight the Coast Guard’s indispensable role beyond Hawai‘i throughout the broader Pacific.

The Pacific Islands region has long held critical importance to our country on a number of fronts. As an island state, Hawaiʻi understands better than most the importance of strong relationships, reliable maritime infrastructure and a sustained commitment to the communities that call the Pacific home.

The success of Operation Blue Pacific reflects the many ways in which Coast Guard personnel contribute to these goals every day. Through their technical expertise and commitment to service, the crew of the Hollyhock supported maritime communities in the U.S. territories of Midway and American Samoa while strengthening partnerships with Tonga, Kiribati and the broader Oceania region. Their versatility and professionalism supported the Coast Guard’s interest in maritime safety and advanced the shared interests of the United States and our Pacific neighbors. 

These accomplishments are particularly noteworthy because they represent the type of work that often occurs outside the public spotlight. The crew's efforts required long days at sea, adaptability in the face of changing conditions and a willingness to serve far from family and home. Their dedication helped ensure that critical missions were carried out effectively and that longstanding relationships throughout Oceania continued to grow stronger. 

At a time when the Pacific region faces evolving challenges and opportunities, the service of the Hollyhock's crew demonstrates the enduring value of American engagement and partnership. Their work reflects the Coast Guard's proud tradition of readiness, cooperation and service to others.

I strongly support the Coast Guard and the resources necessary to carry out its broad and demanding missions. The accomplishments of the Hollyhock crew serve as a reminder of the remarkable men and women who make those missions possible through their skill and dedication. 

I extend my sincere congratulations to Commander Jessica McCollum and every member of the Hollyhock crew on the successful completion of this patrol. On behalf of the people of Hawaiʻi, mahalo for your service and for representing our state and our nation with distinction throughout the Pacific.