Marines, Sailors 'Build' Indo-Pacific Partnerships in Micronesia

Sept. 1, 2023 |DOD News

Armed with saws, hammers, caulking guns and measuring tape, Marines and sailors assigned to Task Force Koa Moana 23 demonstrated their skills while bolstering U.S. alliances in the Pacific region.

The task force has worked on a series of construction projects in several Indo-Pacific nations over the summer. The latest was the renovation of a municipal center on the island of Yap, Micronesia.

A sailor takes measurements of an opening in a wall.

Renovation Project

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Nick Juhl, a builder with Task Force Koa Moana 23, obtains the measurement of the width of a wall during a renovation project at the Tomil Municipal Center on Yap, Micronesia, Aug. 23, 2023. The island of Yap is a part of Task Force Koa Moana’s deployment throughout the Indo-Pacific region, where Marines and sailors from the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force work to strengthen alliances and partnerships with development of interoperable capabilities, combined operations, theater security cooperation, and capacity-building efforts.

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Credit: Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Trent A. Henry

VIRIN: 230823-M-FP389-1302

Sailors work on the wall of a building during a renovation project.

Wall Overhaul

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Nick Juhl, left, and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Bill Redmond, remove shavings and dust from a wall panel during a renovation project at the Tomil Municipal Center in Yap, Micronesia, Aug. 23, 2023.

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Credit: Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Trent A. Henry

VIRIN: 230823-M-FP389-1066

Officials say the mission will lead to improved health and safety for the communities which in turn will enhance U.S. relationships with its Pacific partners.

The first Koa Moana task force was in 2016. Its name comes from a Hawaiian phrase meaning 'ocean warrior.'