Mangrove Planting Experience Thrills USA Navy Officer

Planting mangroves for the first time created a sense of fulfillment and was an exciting experience for crew of the US naval ship, the

Six officers were accompanied by forestry officers to plant 10,000 mangrove seedlings at Nasese on Tuesday. Lieutenant Junior Grade Ivie Hicks said he was happy to be part of the crew that planted mangroves.

“I have never done anything like this and I am glad that I am doing this. I even took pictures and sent them to my wife that is how excited I was,” Lieutenant Junior Grade Hicks said.

“Not every time we get to do something for a good cause. Planting these mangrove seedlings will benefit the people of Fiji and I am happy to be doing this. Lieutenant Junior Grade Hicks said he has enjoyed his trip to Fiji.

“I have always heard about people planting mangroves and this is the first time for me to actually see and planting,” he said. “We always did community work when we visit countries, but this is the first time to do this. We were all excited because it was the first time for all of us.

The arrived in Fiji on October 14 as part of the ship’s Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI) deployment.

OMSI is a Secretary of Defence programme aimed at diminishing transnational illegal activity on the high seas in the Pacific Island nations exclusive economic zones (EEZ) and enhancing regional security and interoperability with partner nations. They departed yesterday.

Photo: Wati Talebula Some crew members of the USS Shoup (DDG 86) with forestry officers planting mangroves for the first time at the Nasese foreshore in Suva on October 16, 2018.

Photo: Wati Talebula Some crew members of the USS Shoup (DDG 86) and forestry officers after planting 10,000 mangrove seedlings at the Nasese foreshore in Suva on October 16, 2018.