With 19 years of Coast Guard Experience and one year as a Commanding Officer of the US Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane, Commander Nicole Tesoniero told BC News that the best part of her job is meeting and interacting with people from across the Oceania region.
Commander Nicole says despite the challenges of being separated from family for days, teamwork and supporting each other is crucial for her young crew of about 100.
Sometimes the rough seas and changing weather can be a challenge for her ship as well.
The Harriet Lane supports a variety of Coast Guard missions including search and rescue, law enforcement, maritime defense, and protection of the marine environment, the ship made a port call on the rock for the first time last month.