Mandarin-Speaking Member home from assignment off the coast of Africa

Our Mandarin-speaking Member supporting the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter FORWARD has returned safely from her assignment. Ms. YiYi Johnson provided interpreting support as the FORWARD participated in maritime security and safety exchanges with countries along the west coast of Africa as part of the African Maritime Law Enforcement Partnership mission.


Ms. Johnson with the FORWARD's crew

The commander of the FORWARD noted in his Letter of Appreciation that Ms. Johnson was "instrumental in the successful boarding of [a suspect boat], acting as USCGC FORWARD’s Chinese interpreter. [She was] the sole source of translation between the boarding team, Senegalese mission commander and master of the vessel. When the master of the vessel refused to comply with requests from the boarding officer, [Ms. Johnson was] quick to translate a final decisive order from the Senegalese mission commander. [Her] overall bearing and immediate response in translating orders ultimately led to the master of the vessel compiling with the boarding team. As a direct reflection of [her] efforts, [the boat] hauled in her nets and was sited for a violation regarding illegal net size."

While onboard, Ms. Johnson supported USCGC FORWARD in 14 joint boardings in three countries to combat illicit transnational activity with Senegalese maritime forces that resulted in five vessel seizures, potential fines in excess of $350,000 and the identification and response to international companies that exploit developing nations’ Exclusive Economic Zones. In addition to her translation efforts, she participated in the daily operations of a Coast Guard cutter (including painting) and positively engaged with the crew of the FORWARD.

Ms. Johnson was enthusiastic throughout the assignment. She called it the best experience of her life and “would do as many assignments as you (NLSC) have!” She was so ready to go again that even though she was home, she said didn't want to unpack her bags.

US Coast Guard Cutter Forward pleased with NLSC member's performance.

As we wrote yesterday, Ms. YiYi Johnson, a Mandarin-speaking member of the NLSC, is on board the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Forward, which is conducting maritime security and safety exchanges with countries along the west coast of Africa as part of the African Maritime Law Enforcement Partnership mission.

Initial feedback from the Forward has been positive, and includes comments such as: "YiYi had her first operational test last night and passed with flying colors!" and "... her skills are [already] paying dividends."

Ms. Johnson is due back in the U.S. in late August.

NLSC Member on assignment off the African coast

In May, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Forward, set sail from its homeport in Portsmouth, Va., across the Atlantic. Forward will conduct maritime security and safety exchanges with countries along the west coast of Africa as part of the African Maritime Law Enforcement Partnership mission.



And a Mandarin-speaking NLSC member is on the Forward. YiYi Johnson, joined the Cutter Forward on July 9, using her language skills to assist in the Forward's mission.

“All the excitement is overwhelming, but I’m coping with it,” she said. “I haven’t been to Africa before. I was on the road when the NLSC sent the email. I emailed ‘count me in’ right then and there. I haven’t been to Africa before, so I had to volunteer”.

During the three-month mission, the 270-foot Forward and its crew will work with such countries as Sierra Leone, Cape Verde, Liberia, Guinea and Senegal in support of the Navy’s 6th Fleet. Through various activities and exchanges they will focus on offshore operations in support of the host country’s efforts to stem illicit maritime activity and bolster maritime security and safety.

Ms. Johnson added that she loves different cultures, so when she has opportunities to go ashore in these countries, she plans to check out the local area and people, to “see how they live, their cultures and customs”.