National Park of American Samoa Wildland Fire Crew Deploys to U.S. Mainland

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa - A nine-member wildland fire crew from the National Park of American Samoa departed Pago Pago on Aug. 17 for a monthlong assignment supporting wildfire response on the U.S. mainland.

The crew, composed primarily of National Park Service employees and supported by Administratively Determined, or AD, firefighters, will work alongside federal, state and local partners responding to wildfires and helping protect communities, natural and cultural resources, and other values at risk.

Throughout the year, the National Park of American Samoa's wildland firefighters train and maintain the qualifications and readiness necessary to support fire operations beyond American Samoa. Their deployment is part of the broader interagency wildland fire response system that moves trained personnel and resources to areas where they are needed.

For the nine firefighters who left American Samoa, the assignment will also take them thousands of miles from their families and island community. They carry with them the values of service, teamwork and community that are central to fa'asamoa, the Samoan way of life.

Those values remain part of the crew even while working far from home. National Park of American Samoa firefighters have shared Samoan songs and chants during previous assignments, strengthening camaraderie and morale while sharing their culture with fellow firefighters from across the country.

"We are incredibly proud of these nine firefighters and grateful to the families and community supporting them while they are away," said National Park of American Samoa Superintendent PT Lathrop. "When they answer the call to help communities thousands of miles from American Samoa, they represent not only the National Park Service, but the strength, professionalism and spirit of our islands. We wish them a safe and successful assignment and look forward to welcoming them home."

The crew is expected to return to American Samoa following completion of its approximately monthlong assignment.

Celebrating Our Nation's 250th Anniversary

The National Park Service is playing a leading role in the celebration and commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. These efforts support Executive Order 14189 -Celebrating America's 250th Birthday, which calls for "a grand celebration worthy of the momentous occasion of the 250th anniversary of American Independence on July 4, 2026."

Throughout the country, national parks will host hundreds of 250th anniversary programs, events, and exhibits, including many sites with direct connections to the formation of the country.

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