Read About USCG Auxiliary 140-03-28 American Samoa ⚓🇺🇸 🇦🇸

Welcome to the official newsletter archive of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 140-03-28, proudly serving the islands of American Samoa.

These publications capture the spirit of our service — from promoting boating safety and maritime education, to supporting search and rescue readiness, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. Each edition reflects the dedication of our volunteer members who stand watch, not just on the water, but alongside the people of our island home.

   

Through these updates, we aim to inform, engage, and inspire. Whether you're a local mariner, student, veteran, or a concerned citizen, you’ll find insight into our mission, our milestones, and our ongoing commitment to Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty — rooted in the values and strength of the Samoan people. 

📣 1st Quarter 2025 Newsletter
“Charting Our Course – A Strong Start to the New Year!

Talofa lava, Flotilla family and friends!

As the sun rises on 2025, your American Samoa USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 140-03-28 has already set a strong course for the year—and we’re sailing full speed ahead! From community connections to youth outreach, vendor partnerships, and revitalizing our Flotilla operations, we’ve packed quite a punch into this first quarter. It’s been a season of fresh starts, new energy, and a clear commitment to maritime safety across our island home.

The year began with action – literally – as our members hit the road to connect with some of American Samoa’s most trusted businesses. Armed with safety brochures, bright smiles, and a passion for service, we visited six local vendors who are now proudly standing with us to promote recreational boating safety. These businesses – the Tool Shop in Malaloa, Samoa Sports in Utulei, Tropic Traders and Mee Won in Nu’uuli, ACE Hardware in Malaeimi, and Industrial Gases in Tafuna didn’t hesitate to join the cause. Whether it’s helping us distribute safety tips or encouraging their customers to boat smart, they’ve become valuable partners in our mission to protect life on the water. And the best part? This is only the beginning. More visits are planned, more hands will join, and we’re just getting started.

    

But our momentum didn’t stop at the shop doors. In March, we turned our focus to the future, our youth, through a vibrant Recreational Boating Safety Outreach event held at the Pago Pago Marina in partnership with the Pago Pago Game Fishing Association. Under the warm island sun and the steady sea breeze, a fantastic group of students gathered to learn lifesaving skills and smart boating practices. We walked them through the proper use of life jackets, how to signal for help during emergencies, and what it really means to be prepared before heading out on the water. With hands-on demos, team discussions, and genuine curiosity from our young participants, the event was as educational as it was inspiring. Watching the next generation of boaters soak in knowledge and ask thoughtful questions reminded us exactly why we do what we do.

    

 

Of course, none of this would be possible without a solid foundation, and this quarter also marked an exciting new chapter for our Flotilla operations. In February, we held a special meeting at our brand-new headquarters located inside the ASG Office of Veterans and Military Affairs. It was more than just a change of scenery – it was a reaffirmation of purpose. Members gathered to reflect, reconnect, and realign our goals for the year ahead. We shared updates on national and district efforts, discussed ways to increase local training opportunities, and reaffirmed our dedication to strengthening partnerships both within and outside the maritime world. A heartfelt thank you to USCG CWO Russell and VA Director Malologa Lagai for joining us at this inaugural meeting. Their presence reminded us that we are never alone in this mission, our work is supported, seen, and valued at every level.

As we look back on this first quarter, it’s clear that 2025 is already shaping up to be a year of impact. With vendor partnerships growing, youth outreach gaining momentum, and a renewed sense of purpose fueling our operations, the horizon looks bright for Flotilla 140-03-28. But more importantly, the heart of our work remains unchanged: community, safety, service, and readiness.

So, to all our members, supporters, and friends – a huge fa’amalo and fa’afetai tele lava (thank you) for being a part of this journey. Whether you’re sharing safety info at your store counter, helping kids try on life jackets, or sitting around the table at a meeting brainstorming what’s next, you are the Flotilla. And together, we’re making a difference.

📣 2nd Quarter 2025 Newsletter
“Full Steam Ahead – Building Momentum in Q2!”

Talofa lava, Flotilla family and friends!

As we reach the midpoint of 2025, your American Samoa USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 140-03-28 continues to sail ahead with purpose, passion, and growing momentum. The second quarter of the year was filled with impactful outreach, proud accomplishments, and promising steps forward for our team and the community we serve.

In April, we picked up right where we left off by continuing our local vendor visits to promote recreational boating safety. With updated materials, bright smiles, and a renewed sense of mission, our members returned to six key locations across the island: the Tool Shop in Malaloa, Samoa Sports in Fagatogo, Tropic Traders and Mee Won in Nu’uuli, ACE Hardware in Malaeimi, and Industrial Gases in Tafuna. Each of these businesses welcomed us back with open arms and showed continued enthusiasm for supporting our mission. Their willingness to display our brochures, share safety messages with customers, and stand with us as advocates for responsible boating is a testament to the strength of our community partnerships. These visits are more than just routine stops—they’re relationship builders, and they’re helping create a culture of safety that reaches every corner of the island.

  

In May, we had the privilege of participating in the American Samoa Community College Career Fair Day. It was a lively and inspiring event where we had the chance to introduce the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to the next generation of leaders and change-makers. We spoke with students about opportunities to serve, learn, and lead through the Auxiliary, and we were energized by their curiosity and interest in maritime safety and public service. A heartfelt fa’afetai tele lava to the ASCC Student Government Association for inviting us to be part of such a meaningful gathering. Events like this remind us that the future of our Flotilla—and our island—is bright.

  

This quarter also marked a major milestone in our operational growth. We are proud to announce that FSO-VE Vani Atafua has officially earned his qualification as a Vessel Examiner. This is a huge achievement not only for Vani, but for our entire Flotilla as we take tangible steps toward establishing a full-fledged Vessel Examination program in American Samoa. This accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated mentorship of DIV III Commander Scott from Maui, whose guidance has been instrumental every step of the way. We also want to acknowledge and thank Tim Jones for his critical support in making this success a reality. With this qualification, we are now positioned to increase public awareness, promote safer boating habits, and offer a new level of service to our community.

    

Adding to the excitement, several of our members were recognized this quarter for their exceptional efforts in advancing the Recreational Boating Safety Program through Public Education Visitor outreach. These awards reflect countless hours of service, meaningful conversations with community members, and an unwavering dedication to safety. Your hard work is being seen—and it’s making a real difference.

  

In a major show of support for our mission, American Samoa officially recognized National Safe Boating Week, observed from May 17 to May 23, 2025, with a public proclamation highlighting the importance of safe boating practices across the Territory. This recognition not only elevated awareness but underscored the vital role our Flotilla plays in ensuring the safety of all who enjoy our waters. We thank the Office of the Governor and our local partners for standing with us during this important week, and we remain committed to reinforcing these lifesaving messages year-round.

     

We’re also excited to share that our Flotilla has a brand-new logo, created by FSO-MA Lesley Anderson-Penitusi. This updated design is a powerful symbol of our identity and our mission. It reflects who we are, where we’re from, and the commitment we carry forward as the face of the USCG Auxiliary in American Samoa.

 

As we reflect on the second quarter of 2025, one thing is clear: this Flotilla is on the move. With each partnership formed, each student inspired, each certification earned, and each act of service delivered, we’re building something strong and lasting. We are proud of the progress we’ve made—and even more excited for what lies ahead.

To all of our members, friends, and supporters—fa’amalo lava and fa’afetai tele lava for continuing this journey with us. Your efforts are the wind in our sails. Together, we are leading with heart, serving with honor, and staying always ready.

📣 3rd Quarter 2025 Newsletter - COMING SOON! :)

 

For an extensive array of images and additional content, we encourage you to visit our Flotilla Facebook Page. Fa'afetai Tele Lava!