With this week's 219th birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard, I'd like to share with Honolulu Star-Bulletin readers the commitment of America's fifth armed service to provide maritime safety, security and stewardship in and around Hawaii.

As America's maritime shield of freedom, the men and women of the Coast Guard in Hawaii stand the watch every day, ready to respond at a moment's notice to those in peril on the sea and perform our multiple missions. Our air, cutter and small boat crews collaborate with other federal, state, and local maritime partners, as well as the maritime industry, to accomplish these missions.

In the past year, we've partnered many times with NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on marine debris recovery and marine mammal relocation missions in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. While patrolling the pristine waters of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, we've documented several boats fishing illegally and worked with the U.S. Attorney's office to ensure those fishermen were held accountable. Earlier this summer, Coast Guard law enforcement personnel embarked aboard a U.S. Navy frigate and extended our service's ability to curb illegal fishing in the Pacific - a first for both services.

For many of our “;guardians,”; service in the U.S. Coast Guard has provided a way forward to achieve America's dream. Whether military or civilian, active duty or reserve, or selfless volunteers in the Coast Guard Auxiliary, we are proud to serve as members of “;Team Coast Guard.”; Being a part of Hawaii's ohana makes our service here all the more special.

Mahalo, Hawaii, for your support.