KOLONIA, FSM –
Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander U.S. Indo-Pacific Command visited the states of Yap and Pohnpei during a trip to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) March 17-18, 2023.
While in Yap, Aquilino met with Yap Gov. Charles Chieng, and senior government leaders in the Yap State Legislature where he highlighted the importance of the partnership between FSM and the U.S. and discussed local opportunities for continued cooperation.
Aquilino was joined by Alissa Bibb, Chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy, FSM, where he also visited the airport and seaport facilities. The U.S. has provided funding for an improved runway in Yap, which will enable better disaster response and decrease fuel consumption for aircraft, benefitting FSM socially, ecologically and economically. He also met the Leading Chief Petty Officer assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) Five, whose team is forward deployed to deliver in-theater expeditionary logistics via expeditionary shore infrastructure, forward damage repair, and mobile construction.
In Pohnpei State, Aquilino met with FSM President David Panuelo and Vice President Aren Palik to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to security, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The discussion focused on future challenges, shared goals and security commitments toward a free and open Indo-Pacific.