Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski recently traveled to Homer to meet with area leaders and crew members of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Hickory and Naushon and area leaders.
The senator visited with Rear Adm. Nathan Moore, commander of the 17th District, and Port Director and Harbormaster Bryan Hawkins about plans for possibly expanding the port and the development of a large vessel harbor.
They also boarded the 225-foot seagoing buoy tender Hickory at the end of Homer Spit and talked with USCG members, as well as the crew of Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Homer.
Murkowski said she appreciated the chance to meet the crew members who keep the region safe.
“The quality of work that the U.S. Coast Guard provides is exceptional,” Murkowski said. “Their search and rescue operations, drug interdictions and maritime safety initiatives should be commended each and every day.”
USCG officials have said that to ensure that crews working in a unique operating environment like Alaska get the resources they need, it’s important for the Coast Guard to proactively work with officials like Murkowski.
“Coast Guard members in Alaska are some of the toughest people in our service, but we’re only able to serve at our full potential when elected officials understand the challenges we face and appreciate the people and families behind all of our missions,” Moore said.
