HONOLULU, Hawaii (March 22, 2024) – Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) Senior Military Official for the Republic of Palau, U.S. Ambassador to Palau Joel Ehrendreich, along with Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., and senior leaders from INDOPACOM and Palau met March 20-21 for the biannual bilateral Palau Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The JCM is in accordance with the Compact of Free Association (COFA) Title III: Security and Defense Relations, and enables ongoing dialogue between nations, which prove to enhance security and defense responsibilities in the region.
“Our longstanding partnership with Palau is a testament to the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Huffman said. “The JCMs are an embodiment of that partnership, and an example of what we can accomplish when we work together.”
The JCM agenda included defense responsibilities, regional military training, and environmental security, with representatives from U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific, U.S. Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Army Pacific, U.S. Pacific Fleet, the U.S. Coast Guard, and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.
Huffman expressed his appreciation for the productive dialogue with the Palau delegation.
“Open and honest communication is a key element as we work towards our mutual goals of building the security of this region,” Huffman said. “In the very near future we will formally establish Joint Task Force Micronesia, which underlines our commitment to working alongside our Palauan partners to defend the homeland, deter aggression, and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
For more information contact the JRM Public Affairs Office at 671