An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Oct. 31, 2024

Guam Guard Holds Inaugural State Partnership Event in Palau

By Mark Scott, Guam National Guard

KOROR, Palau – The Guam National Guard and the Republic of Palau held their first State Partnership Program event Oct. 28-31, with Soldiers and Airmen assessing emergency action plans and communications capabilities around the island.

The partnership, formalized by Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. and Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero in April, aims to develop enduring relationships, improve interoperability, and enhance the readiness of the United States and Palau to meet emerging challenges together.

“This partnership creates numerous opportunities for our people to help each other in that Pacific Way — caring for one another while ensuring our shared values of freedom and democracy remain strong,” said Whipps.

Among the Palauan agencies visited by the Guardsmen were the National Emergency Management Office, the Division of Maritime Law Enforcement and the Bureau of Public Safety. 

Discussions centered on challenges in interagency planning and integrated communications. Common challenges included reliable funding for equipment, training and maintenance, difficulties with mountainous terrain and remote islands, and interoperability of donated equipment from allies and partners.

U.S. Army Maj. Pete Guerrero, officer in charge of the four-day event, noted the similarities of the challenges faced on Guam — Palau’s geographic and cultural neighbor in the Second Island Chain.

“The team we brought all have communications backgrounds, so we know how the heat and humidity and proximity to the ocean wreaks havoc on communications equipment,” said Guerrero. “Then there’s the tyranny of distance we both have to deal with. This state partnership is a good fit, not only because we can relate to these challenges, but our cultural similarities help us collaborate to find common solutions.”

Outside the DMLE building, Sgt. First Class Jolina Cabe, Tech. Sgt. John Patricio and Sgt. Von Reyes inspected a high-frequency antenna array for maritime communications up to 200 miles offshore. After noting the antenna was configured for directional signal, the team recommended relocating the antenna to the roof and changing the configuration to omnidirectional.

“We didn’t bring a lot in the way of physical resources, but we brought our expertise and our willingness to learn from each other. And I think that’s a good starting point,” said Cabe.

 

 

Related Articles
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.
Guam National Guard launches State Partnership with Palau
By Mark Scott, | May 2, 2024
KOROR, Palau – 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 National...

Military leaders from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command conduct the first day of the 2026 Mutual Defense Board (MDB) and Security Engagement Board (SEB) Standing Committee Meeting, March 11, 2025, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Philippines. The meeting consisted of three days of discussions aimed at strengthening the U.S.-Philippines partnership aligned with the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.
Hawaii, Guam National Guard Strengthen U.S.- Philippines Ties
By Tech. Sgt. John Linzmeier, | March 31, 2025
CAMP AGUINALDO, PHILIPPINES– Hawaii and Guam National Guard Airmen and Soldiers joined their Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) partners for the annual Standing Committee Meeting (SCM) held March 11-13. The annual meeting...

From left: Japan Air Self Defense Force Capt. Nakanishi, U.S. Air Force  Lt. Mike Watson and Royal Australian Air Force FLTLT Ryan in front of an F-35A Lightning II on the flightline for exercise Cope North 2025 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 19, 2025. The multinational, U.S. Pacific Air Forces-sponsored field training exercise focused on conducting Combat Air Force training to increase interoperability.
Vermont Guard Strengthens Trilateral Airpower at Cope North
By 158th Fighter Wing | March 7, 2025
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam – Airmen from the 158th Fighter Wing played a key role in the integration of F-35 aircraft during Exercise Cope North 2025, marking a milestone in multinational airpower cooperation.F-35...