2005 Speeches
U.S. Coast Guard Dedication
Remarks by Ambassador Frank Lavin
March 4, 2005
Admiral Johnson, Admiral Wurster, Captain Blair, men and women of the Coast Guard and of all our uniformed services, Col. Chia and members of the Singapore armed forces, other friends from Singapore, and members of the international military community, thank you for coming here today.
It is an honor for me to be here today at the dedication of the Frank Meals Center. When Commander Glenn Martineau, our Coast Guard Detachment Commander in Singapore asked me to participate, I told him I would be delighted, my occasional work for a sister sea service notwithstanding.
I am delighted to be here because the Coast Guard Detachment in Singapore is a vital part of our Embassy, for the simple reason that the Coast Guard is a vital part of the U.S. Government. Many of the challenges the United States faces, from piracy, to smuggling, to maritime safety, to terrorism have the Coast Guard front and center in the battle.
I can tell you from my position, that you cannot be serious about good relations with Singapore unless you are serious about these maritime issues. And you cannot be serious about the maritime issues unless you are serious about the Coast Guard.
The deployment of this detachment in Singapore is a strong statement of U.S. commitment to tackling these challenges. And the good news is that Singapore sees these problems very much as we do. Singapore and the United States are both maritime nations and both rely on freedom of the seas for their survival.
Our detachment in Singapore has the vital responsibilities of ensuring the safety of U.S. flagged vessels in the region and also administering the International Port Security Program. These Coast Guard programs are living proof of the truism: the best way to ensure our country is secure is to ensure that our friends are secure as well. When we work with others, we are also helping ourselves. We keep sea lanes safe and we deny space to the enemy. We are grateful for Singapore’s support and friendship as we undertake these challenges.
To the men and women of the Coast Guard, I congratulate you on your new center. May it provide the operational base you need for your missions, and may it keep you Always Ready. Thank you.