DEKEHTIK, Pohnpei, FSM: October 21, 2024 – Governor Stevenson A. Joseph, together with First Lady Dr. Aina Garstang, made a courtesy visit to the U.S. Naval Research Vessel, Thomas G. Thompson, at Dekehtik Harbor. Governor Joseph was joined by Her Excellency Jennifer Johnson, U.S. Ambassador to the FSM, who was also visiting the vessel. The dignitaries were given a comprehensive tour of the vessel and its advanced research capabilities.
The Thomas G. Thompson is owned by the U.S. Navy Office of Naval Research and operated by the School of Oceanography at the University of Washington. It is part of the University National Oceanographic Laboratories System (UNOLS) fleet and is currently conducting research to study the effects of typhoons on the seafloor. This research is critical to understanding how extreme weather events impact oceanic and coastal environments, particularly in typhoon-prone regions such as the Pacific.
During the visit, Governor Joseph, First Lady Dr. Aina Garstang, and Her Excellency Jennifer Johnson were given an overview of the ship’s mission, its scientific capabilities, and the equipment being used to collect data on the seafloor. The tour provided an in-depth look at the vessel’s technology and the ongoing research that aims to better understand the environmental changes caused by typhoons.
The Thomas G. Thompson’s visit to Pohnpei underscores the importance of scientific collaboration between the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and U.S. and International research institutions in addressing the challenges of climate change and ocean sustainability.