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Northern Marianas Islands News

23 May 2023

Strategically Located, Guam's Defense Posture is Growing

The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) departs Apra Harbor, Guam, Oct. 5. Springfield is one of five submarines assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 15. SUBRON 15 is responsible for providing training, material, and personnel readiness support to five forward-deployed Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines and is located at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Eric Uhden)

With the rise of China and her global ambitions, the military importance of Guam in the Indo-Pacific theater has become apparent. The force levels on the island had drawn down from a peak of about 26,000 at the height of the Vietnam War to a tenth of that—just 2,500 people in the early 2000s. Today, that's changing. Guam's defense posture is growing.Guam's proximity to major population centers in East Asia underscores its strategic importance. The island is just 1,400 miles from Tokyo, Manilla or Port Moresby. All of the armed services have a presence on Guam.

25 Nov 2014

Matson Raises Guam, Micronesia Rates

Matson, Inc., a U.S. carrier in the Pacific, announced today that Matson Navigation Company, Inc. will raise its rates for the company's Guam/Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) and Micronesia services by $225 for both westbound and eastbound containers, effective January 25, 2015. The increase will be filed with the Surface Transportation Board and the Federal Maritime Commission. The rate increase also applies to the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. There will be no adjustment made to the company's terminal handling charge (THC).

26 Nov 2013

More Matson Rates to Increase

Matson, Inc., a U.S. carrier in the Pacific, announced that Matson Navigation Company, Inc. (Matson) will raise its rates for the company's Guam/Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) and Micronesia services by $275 for both westbound and eastbound containers, effective January 26, 2014. The increase will be filed with the Surface Transportation Board and the Federal Maritime Commission. The rate increase also applies to the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

13 Aug 2013

Contract Awarded for Rescue 21 in the Western Rivers

The Coast Guard plans to upgrade existing equipment at 49 remote fixed facilities and add three new locations to enhance search and rescue communications on the Western Rivers. U.S. Coast Guard illustration.

As part of the ongoing National Distress and Response System (NDRS) Modernization Project (Rescue 21), the U.S. Coast Guard competitively awarded a contract August 5, 2013, to Eyak Technology LLC for design, delivery, installation and support of Rescue 21 capabilities in the Western Rivers. Rescue 21, the Coast Guard’s advanced command, control and communications system, was created to better locate mariners in distress and save lives and property at sea and on navigable waterways.

27 Dec 2012

Matson Acquisition Extends South Pacific Reach

A Reef Shipping Vessel: Photo credit Reef Shipping

Matson, Inc. agrees to acquire the primary assets formerly owned by Reef Shipping, a South Pacific shipping company based in Auckland, New Zealand. The assets to be acquired include four vessels and approximately 1,500 pieces of container equipment. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed and the closing of the transaction is expected to occur on or about year-end. "With this acquisition, Matson continues to expand its geographic reach into the South Pacific, and build on its well-earned expertise as a Pacific island carrier," said Matt Cox , president and CEO.