HONORING THE CREW OF COAST GUARD CUTTER HOLLYHOCK

On 2026-06-29, Representative Ed Case (D-HI-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE CREW OF COAST GUARD CUTTER HOLLYHOCK" in the House.

HONORING THE CREW OF COAST GUARD CUTTER HOLLYHOCK

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026) [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. ____________________