Response partners complete Lina'la Halom Tasi Exercise 2024 in Saipan

GARAPAN, Saipan, CNMI — U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, in partnership with the CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM), the Commonwealth Port Authority, and Isla Petroleum & Energy (IP&E), successfully concluded the first-ever full-scale exercise, dubbed Lina'la Halom Tasi 2024, from June 25 to 27. This exercise simulated an oil spill and aimed to enhance response capabilities and coordination among various regional agencies and organizations. Cmdr. Ryan Crose, deputy commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, praised the collaborative efforts, stating, "The Lina'la Halom Tasi Exercise 2024 is the first-ever full-scale pollution response exercise in the CNMI. It showcases the strength of our partnership with the CNMI. Our joint efforts in everything from the regional response plan to testing it in this exercise significantly improved our ability to respond effectively to maritime emergencies, ensuring the safety and security of our waters. We look forward to continued collaboration with our CNMI partners to enhance our collective preparedness and resilience."