A first for the region, Palau became the first Pacific island nation to partner with the Guam National Guard.
The partnership was formalized in a ceremony held at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center in Koror, Palau, on April 29. President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero and The Adjutant General Col. Mike Cruz, Guam National Guard, signed the declaration. Witnessing the signing were Senior Enlisted Advisor to Chief of the National Guard Bureau Tony Whitehead, U.S. Ambassador Joel Ehrendreich, Vice President J. Uduch S. Senior and members of Palau’s Congress.
President Whipps expressed his gratitude to Leon Guerrero for proposing the partnership during a meeting held on the sidelines of the Joint Committee Meeting in Guam in 2021. In February, President Whipps received a letter from General Daniel Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, informing him that Palau and the Guam National Guard would be the program’s newest partners, according to a press release.
The ceremony took place at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center in Koror, Palau. During the event, President Whipps spoke about Guam and Palau’s shared history, including familial ties and centuries-old cultural and economic exchanges.
“We firmly believe that we Islanders must support each other, whether in defending freedom, during natural disasters, or facing any other challenges,” the President stated. “This partnership is crucial as it strengthens our existing relationship.”
The Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program fosters a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship by connecting a state or territory’s National Guard with a partner nation.
The Republic of Palau, a close ally in Free Association with the United States of America, joined the Trust Territories in 1947 and achieved full sovereignty in 1994. Palau and Guam have been geographic, economic, and cultural neighbors for over three thousand years, both being members of the Micronesian Island family.
Illustrating the relationship between Palau and Guam, Major Marvin Yamada, a son of Palau who grew up in Guam and Hawaii and is now serving with the Washington Air National Guard was chosen to emcee the event alongside Col. Sheila Compton-Rivo, chief of joint staff, Guam National Guard. In addition, Staff Sgt. Christina Adelbai, a daughter of Palau serving with the Guam National Guard, read the declaration signed by leadership. mbj
Palau, Guam National Guard Sign Historic Partnership
Recommended Articles...

Red Cross Guam unveils “Power of Humanity” theme for Sept. 27 Red Ball
The Guam Chapter of the American Red Cross announced that its 23rd annual Red Ball gala will be held on Sept. 27 at the Hyatt Regency Guam.

Flat LEAC rate approved by Guam PUC could reduce power bills
Guam Power Authority residential customers could see as much as a $53 savings in monthly power bills beginning Aug. 1, following the Guam Public Utilities Commission’s approval of a flat Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause.
Read More 
Colliers Brokers Sale of Westin Resort Guam; Master Lease Ends April 2026
One of Guam’s favorite Tumon hotels is on the market. The sale is being brokered by Colliers on behalf of Seoul-based IGIS Asset Management.
Read More 
Respicio details Port fee proposal, military readiness plan at Guam Chamber meeting
Rory J. Respicio, general manager of the Port Authority of Guam, shared a proposed 17% adjustment plan to labor fees at the Port during a June 25 presentation to the Guam Chamber of Commerce’s general meeting at the Hilton Resort Guam in Tumon.
Read More