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Official Turnover Ceremony of the ARFF and Equipment in Yap

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): March 26, 2010 - The FSM Vice President, The Honorable Alik L Alik, was in Yap on March 15, 2010 along with the Secretary of Dept. TC&I, T.H. Francis Itimai, Mr. Master Halbert, the Assistant Secretary for Civil Aviation and staff, to officially turnover the recently completed Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (ARFF) Facility, two 1,500 gal ARFF vehicles, fully stocked medical trailer, radios and spare parts and equipment to the Yap State Government. Prior to the Turn Over Ceremony, the Vice President and members of his delegation also paid courtesy visits to the Governor and Lt. Governor and Speaker and members of the Yap State Legislature to discuss issues and matters of mutual interest for both governments. The Vice President and his delegation also visited sites in Yap for projects that are jointly implemented by both governments as well.

During the Project Turnover Ceremony, Vice President Alik, after paying respect to the Yap Traditional Leaders, the State Leaders and other visiting dignitaries, conveyed a message on behalf of President Mori, hisself, and the rest of the relevant key Departments of the National Government and thanked the Yap State Leadership for their continued support in implementing all the FAA-FSM Airport Improvement Programs in Yap. He also thanked the FAA's Mr. Ron Simpson and Mr. Barry Brayer for allowing the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to reach the airports of the Nation and thanked the Construction Manager, Contractor and sub-contractor for all their work.

The program has helped rehabilitate the terminal building and other equipment after suffering severe damages from Typhoon Sudal in 2004, with the installation of a Security Perimeter, and construction of a new apron after deterioration caused alteration to Continental Micronesia's operation schedule, all totaling over $32 million.

Accepting the facility and equipment was Yap State Governor, T.H. Sebastian Anafel. Governor Anafel, who echoed, in his closing remark, his sincere appreciation for the efforts made by all involved in the project, most especially the National Government, in bringing this project to full completion. Governor Anefal gladly accepted the facility and equipment on behalf of the State and people of Yap and requested continued support and assistance of the National Government and the US FAA to the State of Yap in the up-keep and long term maintenance of this state of the art facility.

Also present at the ceremony to witness the turn- over activities were the Speaker and members of the Yap State Legislature, the State Cabinet Members and representatives of the Project Designer and Construction Manager, Contractor and Sub-contractor.

The ceremony was capped off with a vibrant traditional dance.