Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Last week Gov. Lemanu P.S. Mauga met with a Navy outreach group who briefed him with an overview of their visit to the territory — and two of the visiting team members are daughters of American Samoa.

Command Master Chief Josephine Tauoa and Petty Officer First Class Alesana are visiting the territory to participate in recruiting-centered activities as part of the effort spearheaded by Navy Talent and Acquisition Group Pacific.

Last week Thursday, Samoa News reported on Command Master Chief Josephine Tauoa’s appearance on Wednesday, Jan. 31st, as the guest speaker at a special Athletes Dinner hosted by the American Samoa National Olympics Committee (ASNOC), where she shared her inspiring journey of hard work and perseverance that led her to her current position.

She is the First Samoan Female to have been promoted to the rank of Command Master Chief in the history of the United States Navy. Originally from the east side of the Island, CMDCM Tauoa is the daughter of Senator HC Muagututi’a Tauoa and the Late Sosefina Kelemete Tauoa of Fagaitua. She currently serves as the Command Master Chief for the Pacific Fleet Commander in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Another member of the Navy team visiting American Samoa is Petty Officer First Class Alesana. Alesana is originally from Malaeimi, Vaitogi, Salelologa, Sapapalii, Lalomalava, and Patamea. She attended and graduated from Manumalo Academy in 2012. Alesana joined the United States Navy’s Delayed Entry Program while still a senior in high school. She is the daughter of Leituala Greta Seumanu and Lauano Faleniu Mark Eti Alesana.

She enlisted in January 2013 and completed basic training in March later that year and was immediately moved to “A” school. Upon the successful completion of “A” school, she was then transferred to Norfolk, Virginia, where she was assigned to her first duty station, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78). Alesana has served on various ships and has continued to advance in her career by receiving numerous awards and her fifth Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal.

She currently serves as a Navy Recruit to Big Island, Hawaii and the US Territory of American Samoa as her Areas of Responsibility.

Command Master Chief Tauoa was accompanied by Captain Tommy L. Edgeworth. Captain Edgeworth graduated with a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree in Business Management, and a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership from Liberty University.

As a member of the Acquisition Professional Community, he holds Level III Certifications in Program Management and Life Cycle Logistics. Captain Edgeworth, SC enlisted in the U.S Navy in March 1987 where he attended basic training in the Great Lakes, Illinois, followed by the Aviation Boatswain’s Mate A-School in Lakehurst, New Jersey. His enlisted assignments included USS Forrestal (CV-59), Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX-1), Navy Support Activity, Greece, and USS George Washington (CVN-73).

On Tuesday, January 30, 2024, Gov. Lemanu P.S. Mauga met with the group who briefed him on an overview of their visit to the territory. The purpose of the visit is to bring senior leaders back to their hometowns to discuss their careers, share career opportunities, engage with the community leaders, and to raise the profile of the U.S. Navy.

 “Lt. Governor Talauega and I are honored to welcome home two daughters of Samoa who still serve our nation with unwavering dedication and valor,” the governor said. “Your commitment to defending our freedoms and safeguarding our shores fills us with immense pride.”

He continued, “As you return to the tranquil shores of American Samoa, I look forward to the work ahead of you all.

“Sharing your experiences and skills with our people will be an invaluable asset to the next generation of proud Samoan sailors.”

The US Navy team will be on island through February 8 (this Thursday) visiting several high schools and will be taking appointments.