On August 18th, I had the privilege to attend meetings in Sitka with United States Senator Dan Sullivan and Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Karl Schultz. The meetings were part of their tour of Alaska which included visits in the district to Ketchikan, Sitka and Petersburg. Senator Sullivan is the Chairman of the subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard.
The first meeting was at the Sitka Coast Guard Air Station. Commandant Schultz is an impressive leader and it was encouraging to hear his and Sen. Sullivan’s thoughts on the Coast Guard’s continued presence and commitment to Alaska, particularly in Southeast Alaska. Other topics included general maritime commerce and safety issues. A unique topic was Alaska’s national security role for America as the only state physically located in the Arctic. Commandant Schultz has stated the need for a new Arctic strategy.
Photo credit Daily Sitka Sentinel
The second meeting was at the American Legion Hall to visit with local veterans. It was a pleasure to see our local veterans visit with Senator Sullivan, who is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, and Commandant Schultz. This meeting was a great opportunity for veterans alike to be able to speak to each other about their current issues facing veterans in our country. Alaskans lead the nation in service to our country’s military, and has more veterans per capita at 13.1% than any other state (nearly double the nationwide rate of 6.6%.).
I look forward to continuing the great working relationship I have with United States Senator Dan Sullivan and to working with the new Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Karl Schultz.
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