Governor Oliver with The Commander of Joint Forces, Rear Admiral Gregory Huffman

Peilapalap, Pohnpei: July 27, 2023 – The Commander of Joint Forces, Marianas, Rear Admiral Gregory Huffman, paid a courtesy call on Governor Oliver. Joining Rear Admiral Huffman was Kyle Papish, Acting Defense Attache, US Embassy Kolonia. Welcoming the Rear Admiral with Governor Oliver were the Administrator of the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Dahker Abraham, Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Hubert Yamada, Director of the Department of Public Safety, Patrick Carl, Overseas Development Assistance Coordinator, Shirley Ligohr, and Protocol Officer, Jordan Torres.

Rear Admiral Huffman is on Pohnpei, attending the Joint Presidential Inauguration of President Simina, Vice President Palik, Speaker Moses and member of the 23rd FSM Congress. In addition to overseeing installation management functions for both U.S. Naval Base Guam and Anderson Air Force Base on Guam, the Commander of Joint Region Marianas, also serves as Commander U.S. Naval Forces Marianas and Defense representative to Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Republic of Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).

During the cordial introductory exchange at the Governor’s Cabinet Conference Room, Rear Admiral Huffman conveyed his appreciation for the courtesy call and expressed his enthusiasm to continue to work with Governor Oliver and the Pohnpei State Government to further expand on the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between the U.S. Government and the FSM. Governor Oliver warmly welcomed Rear Admiral Huffman acknowledging the significance of enhancing ties and furthering cooperation with the U.S., particularly with Joint Region Marianas in areas of security and law enforcement.

Both Governor Oliver and Rear Admiral look forward to the next Joint Committee meeting where the issues of security, law enforcement and maritime law enforcement will be formally discussed.