CAMP H.M. Smith, Hawaii — Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, visited the Republic of Palau on April 24-25 following the opening ceremonies for Exercise Balikatan in the Philippines.
Palau is a Compact of Free Association state with the United States, which provides defense, funding and access to social services. Jurney’s visit highlighted the importance of the U.S.-Palau partnership.
“Palau has proven to be a long-standing friend of the United States in the Pacific,” Jurney said. “We thank President Whipps, Jr. for his steadfast support for the U.S. military presence, which helps maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
He added, “We are grateful for the hospitality that Palau shows to the Marine Corps, and are proud of the contributions Marines have made to improving Palau’s infrastructure and serving the people of Palau.”
Previous deployments have seen U.S. Marines and Sailors provide expertise in engineering, medical, maritime law enforcement, and explosive ordnance disposal. Recent projects include restoring the Peleliu airstrip, construction of a weapons firing range, and renovation of the Peleliu World War II Museum, which is significant because of the upcoming 80th anniversary commemoration of the battle for Peleliu on September 15.
“The Marines have a deep and enduring connection to the people of Palau, both through community service as well as the many Palauans who have served in the Corps,” said U.S. Ambassador to Palau Joel Ehrendreich.
Jurney pledged to build on the Marine Corps’ long history with the people of Palau. “We are committed to continuing the long and proud legacy of the Marine Corps working with the people of Palau as we secure and maintain a Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” he said.