[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E633]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE CREW OF COAST GUARD CUTTER HOLLYHOCK

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. ED CASE

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 29, 2026

  Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the crew of Coast Guard 
Cutter Hollyhock as we recognize the completion of their first 
Operation Blue Pacific patrol.
  The Hollyhock is a seagoing buoy tender, which the Coast Guard uses 
to monitor and perform repairs and maintenance on buoys and other 
navigational aids in U.S. territories and other areas with U.S. 
shipping interests. Originally ported in Port Huron, Michigan, the 
Hollyhock was reassigned to Honolulu in October 2025.
  In April, the 50-person crew departed from Honolulu for the 42-day 
long Operation Blue Pacific, where they traveled over 7,500 nautical 
miles throughout the broader Oceania region.
  Operation Blue Pacific is an ongoing multi-mission Coast Guard 
initiative across Oceania to bolster ties with Pacific Island nations 
and communities. The mission also contributes to broader U.S. efforts 
to monitor regional security developments and counter malign influence 
in the Pacific.
  My home state of Hawaii relies heavily on and has benefited greatly 
from the presence of the Coast Guard. We fully appreciate the Coast 
Guard's direct support of Hawaii residents, both generally and through 
its District Oceania headquarters in Honolulu, by performing its 
statutory missions like search and rescue and maritime environmental 
protection. But I would like to especially highlight the Coast Guard's 
indispensable role beyond Hawaii throughout the broader Pacific.
  The Pacific Islands region has long held critical importance to our 
country on several fronts. As an island state, Hawaii understands 
better than most the importance of strong relationships, reliable 
maritime infrastructure, and a sustained commitment to the communities 
that call the Pacific home.
  The success of Operation Blue Pacific reflects the many ways in which 
Coast Guard personnel contribute to these goals every day. Through 
their technical expertise and commitment to service, the crew of the 
Hollyhock supported maritime communities in the U.S. territories of 
Midway and American Samoa while strengthening partnerships with Tonga, 
Kiribati, and the broader Oceania region. Their versatility and 
professionalism supported the Coast Guard's interest in maritime safety 
and advanced the shared interests of the United States and our Pacific 
neighbors.
  These accomplishments are particularly noteworthy because they 
represent the type of work that often occurs outside the public 
spotlight. The crew's efforts required long days at sea, adaptability 
in the face of changing conditions, and a willingness to serve far from 
family and home. Their dedication helped ensure that critical missions 
were carried out effectively and that longstanding relationships 
throughout Oceania continued to grow stronger.
  At a time when the Pacific region faces evolving challenges and 
opportunities, the service of the Hollyhock's crew demonstrates the 
enduring value of American engagement and partnership. Their work 
reflects the Coast Guard's proud tradition of readiness, cooperation 
and service to others.
  I strongly support the Coast Guard and the resources necessary to 
carry out its broad and demanding missions. The accomplishments of the 
Hollyhock crew serve as a reminder of the remarkable men and women who 
make those missions possible through their skill and dedication.
  I extend my sincere congratulations to Commander Jessica McCollum and 
every member of the Hollyhock crew on the successful completion of this 
patrol. On behalf of the people of Hawaii, I offer mahalo for their 
service and for representing our state and our Nation with distinction 
throughout the Pacific.

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