Murkowski Flying to Nome to Welcome Healy Crew
Senator to Join USCG Rear Admiral, Nome Mayor in Showing Appreciation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Murkowski today is joining United States Coast Guard Rear Admiral Thomas Ostebo on a flight to Nome in order to personally thank everyone involved in the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy’s mission to aid the community’s winter fuel needs. Nome Mayor Denise Michels will join them aboard the ship to visit with the crew that extended their time on the sea through the holiday season to fulfill the mission.
“Alaskans have a close relationship with the United States Coast Guard, and this gesture by the Coast Guard shows the feeling is mutual. I considered a trip to Nome a top priority to personally express my appreciation to the crew that selflessly gave up their holidays for the Seward Peninsula region’s needs,” Murkowski said. “This historic Coast Guard mission has captured the nation’s attention, but it’s also a finely-tuned team effort among federal agencies, the Nome community leadership, and researchers at University of Alaska-Fairbanks all making vital contributions.”
This weekend, the Healy was successful in cutting a path through miles of thick ice with the Russian fuel barge Renda trailing behind, containing 1.3 million gallons of fuel. Now that the vessels have reached their target, preparations are underway to allow for a fuel transfer through nearly a half-mile of hose across surface ice.
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