Cleveland, Ohio– The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Admiral Thomas H. Collins and John Adams, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and their respective delegations, attended a summit meeting this week at the U.S. Coast Guard Base in Cleveland, Ohio. With the theme, Building on a Tradition of Maritime Partnership, the two agencies engaged in discussions of areas of mutual concern including marine safety and environmental protection. On the security front, challenges and opportunities surrounding marine domain awareness were also explored. "Our two Coast Guards work side by side on a daily basis along the St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes and often work together along our Atlantic and Pacific Coasts," said Commissioner Adams. "This has been a valuable exercise that has allowed us to exchange information, learn from one another and forge a stronger working relationship." "With both the U.S. and Canada working to strengthen safety and security along our borders and waterways, it is only fitting that our two Coast Guard agencies work to establish the most productive and effective relationship possible," said Admiral Collins. Admiral Collins also used the occasion of the summit to present Commissioner Adams with a U.S. Coast Guard Lifetime Honorary Membership in the USCG Auxiliary. Mr. Adams also received a Distinguished Public Service Award, one of the highest public recognition awards given by the Commandant. Commissioner Adams presented Admiral Collins with the Canadian Coast Guard's highest decoration, the Commissioner's Commendation in honour of the work carried out by the USCG Strike Team in Alabama in helping to reduce the pollution threat presented by a derelict vessel off of New Brunswick. A backgrounder giving highlights of the U.S.C.G. and CCG relationship is attached. More information on the CCG can be found at www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca. Information on the USCG can be found at http://www.uscg.mil/USCG.shtm. (Click on the http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/newsrel/2005/images to enlarge.) Commissioner John Adams shakes hands with Admiral Thomas H. Collins after the signing of a joint statement of cooperation between the two Coast Guard agencies. Admiral Thomas H. Collins, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard and John Adams, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard distributed personal flotation devices to a group of Cleveland schoolchildren. Commissioner Adams and Admiral Collins speak to Captain Terry Weller of CCGC Cape Hurd. Canadian Coast Guard and U.S. Coast Guard officials tour the CCGS Cape Hurd, a 70 ft. lifeboat. -30- FOR MORE INFORMATION: Phil Jenkins Media Relations Fisheries and Oceans Canada Ottawa (613) 990-7537
