Fono Honors First Woman to Lead Local Coast Guard

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The head of the Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Unit in American Samoa, Lt. Vignette Kalstas leaves American Samoa in June with a legislative commendation among her prized possessions.

A House Concurrent Resolution approved by both the House and Senate in the just concluded Fono session commends the lt.  for her leadership role and dedicated service to the people of American Samoa.

At 35, she’s the youngest and first female supervisor of the Coast Guard unit in American Samoa,  and began her local assignment in July 2014.

Although the tenure is normally for one year, Lt. Kalstas signed on for an additional year because according to the resolution says, of her concern for the ocean safety of the territory’s residents.

In the territory, she was the only qualified Coast Guard small passenger vessel inspector says the measure.

And her concern for the safety of small vessels has had a significant impact on the operations of government’s passengers vessels, Segaula and MV Sili.

The resolution says when the small plane of a father and son crew aiming to break a world record went down in American Samoa waters, Lt. Kaltsas led the search for teenager Haris Suleman and his father Babar Suleman.

Under her leadership the local Coast Guard unit responded when the fishing boat, Seahawk #68 ran aground the reef near the airport, it was through their efforts a major oil and fuel spill was averted.

Also cited in the Fono commendation are the Lt’s dedication to ensure vessels comply with safety regulations training of the Coast Guard Flotilla, her leadership in outreach programs in the boating community which has lifted safety standards and compliance.

Lt Kalstas completes her tour in American Samoa, June 27 and says the Fono resolution, she will leave, having shared her professionalism with all local agencies connected to the US Coast Guard.

American Samoa will lose a valuable asset when she leave, it will retain the extensive knowledge and experience Lt Kaltsas installed in all those she taught and worked with.

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