READOUT: Pacific Fleet Commander’s travel to Pohnpei and Yap States in Federated States of Micronesia, May 1-2, 2025

04 May 2025

From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visited the states of Pohnpei and Yap during a trip to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) May 1-2, 2025. As Pacific nations, the U.S. and FSM share values, a deep history, and a common vision for peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, underpinned by the Compact of Free Association.

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President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Wesley Simina, left center, and Vice President of FSM Aren Palik, right, pose for a photo with Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and U.S. Ambassador to FSM Jennifer Johnson during Koehler’s visit to Pohnpei, May 2, 2025. The visit to FSM underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

In Pohnpei, Koehler met with FSM President Wesley Simina, Vice President Aren Palik, and delegation, as well as U.S. Ambassador to FSM Jennifer Johnson, to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to protecting the security, freedom, and prosperity for our allies and partners in the region. The discussion focused on future challenges, shared goals, and security commitments toward a free and open Indo-Pacific.

President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Wesley Simina meets with Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and U.S. Ambassador to FSM Jennifer Johnson during Koehler’s visit to Pohnpei, May 2, 2025. The visit to FSM underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

From left: Aren Palik, vice president of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM); Wesley Simina, president of FSM; Heinrich Panuello, director of veteran’s affairs for FSM; Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; and Jennifer Johnson, U.S. ambassador to FSM, meet during Koehler’s visit to Pohnpei, May 2, 2025. The visit to FSM underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Wesley Simina, left, greets Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, during a visit to Pohnpei, May 2, 2025. The visit to FSM underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Jennifer Johnson, left, conducts a country-team meeting with Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, and U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief Don Davis during Koehler’s visit to Pohnpei, May 2, 2025. The visit to FSM underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Jennifer Johnson, left, conducts a country-team meeting with Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, during Koehler’s visit to Pohnpei, May 2, 2025. The visit to FSM underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Jennifer Johnson, left, greets Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, upon his arrival to Pohnpei, May 1, 2025. The visit to FSM underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

While in Yap, Koehler met with Yap Acting Governor Thomas Tun, Speaker Nicholas Figirlaarwon, and the Yap State Legislature, where he highlighted the importance of the partnership between FSM and the U.S. and discussed local opportunities for continued cooperation.

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, and U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia Jennifer Johnson pose for a photo with Yap State Legislature during Koehler’s visit to Yap, May 2, 2025. The visit to FSM underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, speaks to Yap State Legislature during a visit to Yap, May 2, 2025. The visit to the Federated States of Micronesia underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia Jennifer Johnson meet with Yap State Legislature during Koehler’s visit to Yap, May 2, 2025. The visit to FSM underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

Joined by Amb. Johnson, Koehler visited Yap’s airport and seaport facilities, and met with Sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) Three engaged in infrastructure projects. On March 27, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and FSM President Simina announced a mutual understanding to enable the Department of Defense (DoD) to begin planning and construction on key infrastructure projects in Yap – including airport and seaport upgrades that will provide strategic operational and exercise capabilities for U.S. forces, such as disaster response, and benefits to FSM’s economy and security. NMCB 3 is forward deployed to Yap to deliver in-theater expeditionary logistics via expeditionary shore infrastructure, forward damage repair, and mobile construction to strengthen deterrence and force posture in the region.

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia Jennifer Johnson, left, review airport expansion plans with Chief Builder Nana Obeng, leading chief petty officer of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) Three, during Koehler’s visit to Yap, May 2, 2025. The visit to the Federated States of Micronesia underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, converses with Builder 2nd Class Gianna DiGregorio, left, and Equipment Operator 2nd Class Mathew Metzger, both assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) Three, during Koehler’s visit to Yap, May 2, 2025. The visit to the Federated States of Micronesia underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, left, speaks with Chief Builder Nana Obeng, leading chief petty officer of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) Three, during a visit to Yap, May 2, 2025. The visit to the Federated States of Micronesia underscored the United States' commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, receives an operations brief from Sailors assigned to Commander, Task Group 73.6/Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit One, Company 1-6 (CTG 73.6/MDSU 1-6), during Koehler’s visit to Yap, May 2, 2025. The visit to the Federated States of Micronesia underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, meets with Sailors assigned to Commander, Task Group 73.6/Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit One, Company 1-6 (CTG 73.6/MDSU 1-6), during a visit to Yap, May 2, 2025. The visit to the Federated States of Micronesia underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, center, speaks with Senior Chief Master Diver Melissa Nguyen-Alarcon and Chief Navy Diver Chance Griffith, both assigned to Commander, Task Group 73.6/Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit One, Company 1-6 (CTG 73.6/MDSU 1-6), during a visit to Yap, May 2, 2025. The visit to the Federated States of Micronesia underscored the United States' commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, left, speaks with Senior Chief Master Diver Melissa Nguyen-Alarcon, assigned to Commander, Task Group 73.6/Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit One, Company 1-6 (CTG 73.6/MDSU 1-6), during a visit to Yap, May 2, 2025. The visit to the Federated States of Micronesia underscored the United States' commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

Koehler and Amb. Johnson also met with Sailors assigned to Commander, Task Group 73.6/Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit One, Company 1-6 (CTG 73.6/MDSU 1-6), where they received a brief on the operations being conducted by CTG 73.6/MDSU 1-6 in Yap. As the designated Executive Agent for salvage and diving operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, Commander, Task Force 73 has deployed CTG 73.6 to Yap in support of abandoned derelict vessel removals. This project lays the groundwork for the forthcoming military construction port expansion in Yap.

The visit to FSM underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.