READOUT: Pacific Fleet commander’s travel to Republic of Palau, Oct. 12

15 October 2024

From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, traveled to the Republic of Palau alongside Fleet Master Chief Donald L. Davis, Jr., Oct. 12, to visit the U.S. Civic Action Team (CAT) deployed to the Pacific Island country and meet with U.S. Ambassador to Palau Joel Ehrendreich.

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Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center left, meets with the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Palau, Joel Ehrendreich, center right, in Airai, Palau, Oct. 12, 2024. The visit to the Republic of Palau underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific that is connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy)

While visiting the CAT at Camp Katuu, Koehler and Davis thanked the deployed service members and toured its facilities. The CAT in Palau supports agreements and obligations of the Compact of Free Association (COFA) ratified in 1994 and executes several programs including: community construction, apprenticeship training, medical civil action, community relations, maintain World War II monuments on Peleliu and Angaur, and emergency response and disaster relief.

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center left, and U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, center right, meets with airmen assigned to the U.S. Air Force’s 356th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Group, Civil Action Team 356-01, in Airai, Palau, Oct. 12, 2024. The Civic Action Team Palau provides construction support, assists and trains apprentices with general engineering skills, facilitates a medical outreach program and conducts community service projects. Civic Action Team Palau is an integral part of the U.S. mission to assist and support the development of the Republic of Palau through the Compacts of Free Association. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy)

Maj. Charity Bailey, the team doctor for the U.S. Air Force’s 356th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Group, Civil Action Team 356-01, left, and 2nd Lt. Vladyslav Zhukov, the officer in charge of the 356th Expeditionary Civil Engineer, Civil Action Team 356-01, center left, give an overview of the team’s medical capabilities to Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center right, his wife, Gina Koehler, and U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, right, in Airai, Palau, Oct. 12, 2024. The Civic Action Team Palau provides construction support, assists and trains apprentices with general engineering skills, facilitates a medical outreach program and conducts community service projects. Civic Action Team Palau is an integral part of the U.S. mission to assist and support the development of the Republic of Palau through the Compacts of Free Association. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, meets with the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Palau, Joel Ehrendreich, in Airai, Palau, Oct. 12, 2024. The visit to the Republic of Palau underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific that is connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy)

During his meeting with U.S. Ambassador Ehrendreich, Koehler discussed efforts to promote regional stability, rule of law, and maritime security in Palau where shared history and common values make them a key partner in the region.

The visit to the Republic of Palau underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific that is connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient.