News

USCGC Oliver Henry completes strategic patrol in Palauan waters, strengthening regional security and maritime partnerships
October 4, 2024 — The crew of USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) completed a two-week patrol from Sept. 16 – 30, 2024, as part of Operation Rematau, contributing to maritime security, domain awareness and the enhancement of strategic partnerships between the United States and the Republic of Palau... MORE

A boarding team from the USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140), alongside a Palau Division of Marine Law Enforcement officer, return from a completed bilateral maritime law enforcement boarding on a foreign fishing vessel supporting the Republic of Palau in their Exclusive Economic Zone on Sept. 24, 2024.

United States Coast Guard, Republic of Palau deepen partnership at Joint Committee Meeting in Peleliu
October 1, 2024 — The Republic of Palau and the United States reaffirmed their longstanding partnership and shared history at the Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) held from September 13 to 18, 2024, in Peleliu, with participation from U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam... MORE

240916-N-ML137-1096 PELELIU, Republic of Palau (Sept. 16, 2024) - U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Derek Wallin, marine advisor with U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, gives a presentation during the biannual, bilateral Joint Committee Meeting at South Dock Summerhouse, Sept. 16. JCMs are aligned with the Compact of Free Association Title III: Security and Defense Relations, enabling ongoing dialogue between nations to enhance security and defense responsibilities in the region. This meeting underscores the mutual commitment to national security, international partnership, and environmental stewardship in the Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Samantha Jetzer)

U.S. Coast Guard supports, strengthens partnership with Republic of Palau partners in response to illicit maritime activity concerns
September 19, 2024 — U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia Sector Guam (FMSG) and U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point dispatched personnel and equipment to enact the agreement between the U.S. and Palau Concerning Operational Cooperation to Suppress Illicit Transnational Maritime Activity (U.S. – Palau Bilateral Agreement), and in doing so enhanced Palau's maritime domain awareness... MORE

A U.S. Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules and aircrew embarked Palauan enforcement officials and Coast Guard specialists to patrol over 6,000 miles, identifying numerous illegal fish aggregation devices (FADs) and sighting vessels in and around Palau's EEZ.

Pacific Marines, Embassy, Palau Government Commemorate Past, Look to Future
September 16, 2024 — The United States Marine Corps, alongside the U.S. Embassy Koror and the President of the Republic of Palau, co-host the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Peleliu with a ceremony honoring those who served on the island and in the broader Pacific Theater during World War II... MORE

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley, deputy commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, presents a wreath to the 1st Marine Division memorial during the 80th Commemoration of the Battle of Peleliu in Peleliu State, Republic of Palau, Sept. 15, 2024. The exceptional heroism and sacrifices made by Marines and Soldiers at the battle of Peleliu during World War II underscore the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and inspire us to continue to enhance our strong partnerships in this vital region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Blake Gonter)

USS Blue Ridge and Commander, 7th Fleet Depart Koror, Palau
August 16, 2024 — U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff departed Koror, Palau, after following a scheduled port visit, Aug. 10 - 14, 2024... MORE

Sailors stand watch prior to a reception aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), during a scheduled port visit to Koror, Palau, Aug. 12, 2024.

Koa Moana 24 Marines and Palauan Community Rally for Anti-Human Trafficking 5K on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
August 3, 2024 — In a compelling display of international collaboration and community spirit, U.S. Marines from Koa Moana 24 joined with the Palauan community on July 30, 2024 to observe World Day Against Trafficking in Persons... MORE

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, participate in a 5K run and walk in support of anti-human trafficking awareness on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons during exercise Koa Moana 24 at Koror, Palau, July 30, 2024.

U.S. Embassy Koror and Indo-Pacific Command Strengthens Palau Law Enforcement Capabilities Through Narcotics Investigations Course
July 30, 2024 — A week-long Narcotics Investigations Course concluded on May 3, 2024, in Koror, Palau... MORE

Narcotics Investigation Course group photo

U.S. Coast Guard rescues motor yacht crew 200 nautical miles west of Republic of Palau
July 21, 2024 — The USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) crew is currently towing the motor yacht Black Pearl 1, located approximately 200 nautical miles west of the Republic of Palau on July 21, 2024, after responding to a distress call... MORE

A rescue and assistance team from the USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) approaches the 150-foot 497-ton motor yacht Black Pearl 1, located approximately 200 nautical miles west of the Republic of Palau, on July 21, 2024, after responding to a distress call. The 11-person yacht crew, who reported a locked rudder and flooding in the bilge, was assisted by Oliver Henry's crew with dewatering and damage control. They were then towed toward Palau by the Oliver Henry in 25 mph winds and 4 to 6-foot seas. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryder Nolan)

U.S. AND JAPANESE GENERALS VISIT PALAU, HIGHLIGHTING CRUCIAL ALLYSHIP AND REGIONAL SECURITY
June 14, 2024 — In a significant demonstration of enduring allyship and commitment to regional security, Gen. Hiroaki Uchikura, Chief of Staff of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (Koku-Jieitai), and U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Laura Lenderman, Deputy Commander of Pacific Air Forces and Deputy Theater Air Component Commander to the Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited U.S. Airmen and Marines operating in Palau on June 14, 2024... MORE

Gen. Hiroaki Uchikura, Koku-Jieitai Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Chief of Staff and U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Laura Lenderman, the Deputy Commander, Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, and the Deputy Theater Air Component Commander to the Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visit Palau National Airport, Airai, Palau, June 14, 2024. The United States and Japan alliance remains postured and ready to ensure the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nello Miele)

U.S. Coast Guard visit to Republic of Palau strengthens maritime navigation and cooperation
May 20, 2024 — The U.S. Coast Guard completed a vital weeklong mission in the Republic of Palau, setting the stage for future collaboration and bolstering safe maritime navigation and security... MORE

Lt. Jay DeInnocentiis meets with Marine Transportation leadership and ATON technicians to discuss the fixed and floating ATON constellation in Palau on May 14, 2024. The team completed a vital weeklong mission in the Republic of Palau, setting the stage for future collaboration and bolstering safe maritime navigation and security. This visit, in response to a request from Palau Marine Transportation, focused on an Aids to Navigation (ATON) Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE). (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Guam National Guard launches State Partnership with Palau
May 2, 2024 — In a historic ceremony at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center in downtown Koror, Palau President Surangel Whipps, Jr., Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, and Col. Michael Cruz, adjutant general of the Guam Guard, signed a declaration formalizing the nation’s newest State Partnership between the U.S. Territory of Guam and the Republic of Palau... MORE

From left, Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead, senior enlisted advisor to the chief of U.S. National Guard Bureau; U.S. Ambassador Joel Ehrendreich; Palau President Surangel Whipps; Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero; and Col. Michael Cruz, adjutant general of the Guam National Guard, formalize a State Partnership Program partnership between Guam and Palau in Koror, Palau, April 29, 2024. The partnership builds on thousands of years of common ancestry between the Second Island Chain islands and seeks to mutually benefit both partners in defense and security cooperation.

USNS Mercy arrives in the Republic of Palau for Pacific Partnership 24-1
December 21, 2023 — The hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) arrived Dec. 21 in the Republic of Palau to begin the fourth mission stop of Pacific Partnership 24-1, the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific region... MORE

The hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) arrives in Koror, Palau during Pacific Partnership 2024-1 Dec. 21, 2023. Pacific Partnership, now in its 19th iteration, is the largest multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific and works to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships. (U.S. Navy Courtesy Photo)