On Thursday, the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency hosted a christening ceremony for its new vessel, Fisaga o le Vasa.
The vessel was built by Industrial Gases at the cost of $372,000, all fully funded by the United States EPA.
ASEPA will use the vessel to conduct water duality monitoring and support environmental regulatory efforts.
Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, Lt. Governor Laapui Talauega Eleasalo Ale along with directors, Coast Guard officials and Industrial Gases President Peter Crispin, and the team that built the vessel attended the christening.
Governor Lemanu congratulated Director Lefega Faamao Asalele and ASEPA for acquiring an important asset that would boost the agency’s efforts in ensuring a safe marine environment. He said the vessel can also travel to Aunuu and Manua, and may be used to carry supplies to other islands.
The Governor brought laughter when he said if they had been successful in the elections, perhaps another race apart from the fautasi would be between departments. Other departments with vessels built by Industrial Gases are DMWR and Homeland Security. The Department of Health is also acquiring a similar vessel.
The President of Industrial Gases, Peter Crispin, was especially proud that the vessel was built locally and acknowledged their company team responsible.
He thanked the government for having confidence in their ability to manufacture the vessel locally, and spoke about the benefits this brings for the territory.
Play Audio
Rev Eletosi Lafitaga of the CCCAS Vaitogi offered prayers and First Lady Ella Mauga was given the honor of sprinkling niu on the new vessel.
During the christening ceremony Governor Lemanu and Lt Governor Laapui were presented plaques of appreciation from ASEPA.
