By Fili Sagapolutele Special to the Pacific Islands Report
PAGO PAGO, American Samoa (April 26, 2000)---A native of Guam, Capt. Peter Cumataotoa, has been bestowed the Samoan honorary chief title of "Leali‘iva‘a" by American Samoa Senate President Lutu Tenari Fuimaono, who is also a ranking high chief from the village of Fagatogo.
Cumataotao is the commander of the U.S. Navy destroyer, USS Decatur, which took part in the Centennial Celebration last week.
He said the chiefly title was the culmination of an extraordinary experience, one that will remain with him for the rest of his life.
Public tours were allowed while the vessel was in port for several days.
As the USS Decatur was preparing to leave Pago Pago Harbor, the gangway got stuck and wouldn't pull up. This caused a one-hour delay in the ship’s departure.
When the vessel finally left, Samoan music was playing on the loud speaker and the voice of Captain Cumataotao could be heard...