PALIKIR, Pohnpei, December 12, 2024 — The Honorable Vice President Aren B. Palik welcomed Major General Lance Okamura, Deputy Commander for U.S. Army Pacific Command, and his delegation to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The delegation included U.S. Ambassador Jennifer L. Johnson and Defense Attaché Jason Neal. Vice President Palik was joined by Secretary of the Department of Justice, the Honorable Leonito Bacalando Jr., and Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Honorable Ricky F. Cantero.
Vice President Palik extended his warm appreciation to Major General Okamura and his delegation for their visit and acknowledged the constructive role of the U.S. Department of Defense in advancing shared interests under the Compact of Free Association. He highlighted the importance of the Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) in facilitating the coordination and implementation of these shared priorities, referencing the recent JCM held in Chuuk from October 13–14, 2024.
During the courtesy call, Major General Okamura expressed gratitude to the FSM, which boasts one of the highest per capita enlistment rates in the U.S. Armed Forces. He noted that, annually, at least 70 young men and women from the FSM enlist in the U.S. military. Major General Okamura also shared U.S. Army Pacific’s intent to enhance its presence in the FSM through community support initiatives, including deploying Army medical practitioners for healthcare engagements, providing Army engineers for construction projects, and offering cybersecurity assistance.
Vice President Palik thanked Major General Okamura for recognizing FSM citizens serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, noting the many who have made the ultimate sacrifice. He emphasized the importance of honoring their valor. He also welcomed the proposed U.S. Army Pacific initiatives and reiterated the FSM’s request for the return of Civic Action Teams (CAT) to the FSM, a topic consistently raised at Joint Committee Meetings. The Vice President expressed hope for progress at the next JCM, scheduled to be held in Guam.
Additionally, Vice President Palik expressed gratitude for the recent Pacific Partnership missions in Kosrae and Yap, which delivered critical health services and infrastructure improvements. He eagerly anticipates the next Pacific Partnership missions, proposed to be held in Pohnpei and Chuuk from June to September 2025, where similar support will be provided. Most importantly, Vice President Palik reaffirmed the FSM’s steadfast commitment to its obligations under Title III of the Compact of Free Association.
Vice President Palik concluded the meeting by thanking Major General Okamura for his visit and expressed his desire for continued collaboration with U.S. Army Pacific in future exercises and initiatives planned for the FSM.
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