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Marines come to FSM for the first time for Task Force Koa Moana
(Photo Caption above) U.S. Marines with Task Force Koa Moana 23 execute a motivational run with cadets of the Chuuk State Police Academy on Weno, Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, July 7, 2023. Task Force Koa Moana 23, composed of U.S. Marines and Sailors from I Marine Expeditionary Force, deployed to the Indo-Pacific to strengthen relationships with Pacific Island partners through bilateral and multilateral security cooperation and community engagements.
Below: U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Andrew Bailey, a bulk fuel specialist with Task Force Koa Moana 23, obtains measurements of a roof during a structure quality observation visit at Southern Namoneas High School on Fefen, Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia
US Embassy Kolonia
July 17, 2023
FSM - Task Force Koa Moana 23, comprised of U.S. Marines and Sailors from I Marine Expeditionary Force, have deployed to the Indo-Pacific. Now in its fifth year, the Task Force’s goal is to strengthen relationships with Pacific Island partners through a bilateral and multilateral security cooperation exercise.
The Marines began arriving in late June, and began their work cross the FSM. They’ve run the Chuuk State police through a series of training exercises, teaching Chuuk law enforcement recruits the basics in military drill, martial arts, and first aid care. Marines have also made improvements to the Mwan Elementary School in Chuuk, where they cleared debris around the building and strengthened the roof through the installation of steel panels.
In Kosrae, Marines are working each day to make infrastructure enhancements to the state hospital. So far, they’ve replaced a main support beam in the building and done significant work on replacing the roof panels there as well.
Marines repaired a communication tower in Pohnpei, restoring long range signal to the rest of FSM. They reinforced the infrastructure to the tower to prevent any future damage to the site.
Every Sunday Marines throw on their gloves and hit the field for an afternoon of softball in Pohnpei. They play with the locals at the Spanish Wall field at 3:00 P.M. They encourage anyone in the area who is interested to come out and play with them.
Task Force Koa Moana is a Hawai’ian phrase meaning “ocean warrior,” the task force will remain here in the FSM through September.
