Letter to Admiral Robert Papp, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard

Letter

Senator Murkowski today reached out to United States Coast Guard Admiral Papp, requesting that he make full use of the United States Coast Guard Cutter Healy's capabilities to clear an ice block outside the Port of Nome that is preventing the city from receiving a full winter's supply of fuel.

In a letter written today, the Senator acknowledged the Coast Guard's heroic missions during the course of last month's massive winter storm. After giving the Coast Guard full credit for all their accomplishments, she asked for one more contribution for the people in the region:

"It has come to my attention that the CGC Healy has entered Nome on a return port call and in doing so has broken a course through the ice for marine traffic. While I am sure the officers and crew of the CGC Healy are anxious to return home to Seattle, I ask that you use the CGC Healy and other assets available to assist the people of western Alaska with any fuel or supply shortages they face, if possible."

Senator Murkowski's letter to Admiral Papp is attached.

Dear Admiral Papp,

I am writing to express my support and appreciation for U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) operations as we approach winter 2011-12 in the State of Alaska, and to ask for your willingness to continue USCG's heroic missions relating to the extremely powerful winter storm that hit northwestern Alaska recently, bringing hurricane-force winds, high seas, and heavy snow to the western part of my home state.

As you are aware, Nome, the largest community affected by the storm, was buffeted by winds gusting to 66 miles per hour, a 10-foot storm surge and a tidal front, which brought an extraordinary amount of sea-ice and closed the port to traffic. News reports indicate that as a result, a barge carrying 1.6 million gallons of gasoline, diesel fuel and heating fuel did not reach Nome, and many Alaskans may face a shortage of fuel this winter. It has come to my attention that the CGC Healy has entered Nome on a return port call and in doing so has broken a course through the ice for marine traffic. While I am sure the officers and crew of the CGC Healy are anxious to return home to Seatlle, I ask that you use the CGC Healy and other assets available to assist the people of western Alaska with any fuel or supply shortages they face, if possible.

As always, I, along with every Alaskan, remain a strong supporter of the USCG, and I hope you and the men and women of the CGC Healy can help my state once again. This is a proud legacy mission, executed in Alaska since the days of the CGC Bear and Captain Healy himself. If there is anything that I can do to assist in its success, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Lisa Murkowski

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