Micronesia Sun Bright News from the Deep Pacific
Photo and Video Sources: U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Kolonia, U.S. Embassy Majuro
By Chrisotpher Cottrell
July 2, 2026, Federated States of Micronesia__ U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Michael George DeSombre is preparing to celebrate the United States of America’s 250th birthday this Fourth of July—as indeed the Trump administration, U.S. government, U.S. Department of State, and American people have been doing already with their USA250 Campaigns and jubilations.
Micronesia Sun interviewed U.S. Assistant Secretary DeSombre about US250 in relation to ties with Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, and Marshall Islands. Earlier this year, he visited the FSM and RMI with Acting Assistant Secretary of the Interior William Hague for the countdown to service ceremony for the East Micronesia Cable (EMC) hosted by President Wesley Simina, as well as met President Heine, leaders and citizens in the Marshall Islands, demonstrating America’s commitment to its immediate island neighbors as a Pacific nation.
Below is Micronesia Sun’s questions, and Assistant Secretary DeSombre’s answers:
Micronesia Sun: How is US250 an important moment for the people of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands as part of the Freely Associated States/Compact of Free Association with the United States?
Assistant Secretary DeSombre:
“As we mark the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we reflect not only on our founding ideals of freedom and self-determination, but also on how these principles have shaped our enduring partnerships across the Pacific.
“For the people of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, this milestone celebrates more than American history—it honors our shared commitment to sovereignty, security, and prosperity. The Compacts of Free Association embody the very ideals we declared in 1776: that free people can forge partnerships based on mutual respect, shared values, and common purpose.
“Freedom 250 is not just a reflection on the past—it is a launchpad for the future. Under President Trump’s vision, we are forging new partnerships, championing innovation, and defining a new era of diplomacy that will carry us forward for the next 250 years. This vision includes deepening our special and unique relationships with the FAS nations, which are underpinned by the Compacts of Free Association and continue to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Micronesia Sun: How are the new U.S. Coast Guard deployments and operations part of this continued legacy of U.S. and Micronesia support?
Assistant Secretary DeSombre:
“The U.S. Coast Guard’s expanded presence in the Pacific demonstrates our commitment to the security and prosperity of our FAS partners. These deployments are about more than maritime operations, they represent our shared determination to protect sovereignty, combat illegal fishing, respond to humanitarian crises, and ensure freedom of navigation in waters vital to all our nations.
“Coast Guard cutters and personnel work side-by-side with local authorities to patrol exclusive economic zones, deter illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing that threatens local livelihoods, and provide critical search and rescue capabilities. These operations protect the marine resources that sustain island communities and economies.”
Micronesia Sun: Going back to WWII and the Pacific theatre, the United States has been working hard to recover POW/MIA for the families to this day with partnerships in the islands. How are these bonds with local people important and how is the United States continuing to support the islanders in these efforts?”
Assistant Secretary DeSombre:
“The Pacific theater of World War II left an indelible mark on these islands and our shared history. Many American servicemembers, along with Pacific Islanders who fought by our side, gave their lives in battles fought on and around these islands, and many remain missing to this day. The people of Palau, the FSM, and the Marshall Islands have been steadfast partners in helping us bring these heroes home.
“These recovery efforts are deeply personal. Local communities preserve oral histories, guide recovery teams to crash sites and battlefield locations, and treat these missions with the reverence they deserve. When we foster these bonds with local populations, we build trust that transcends generations. Many Pacific Island families understand the importance of closure because they, too, lost loved ones in service to the United States and witnessed the sacrifices of war firsthand. We thank those from Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands that served in the U.S. military. ”
Micronesia Sun: What inspires you on your missions to the FAS/COFA countries?
Assistant Secretary DeSombre:
“What inspires me most is the strength of our shared values and the depth of our people-to-people connections. Our countries share an enduring commitment to faith, freedom, democracy, rule of law, human rights, and a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“For four decades, the Compacts of Free Association have underpinned our strong relationships with the RMI, FSM, and Palau, reinforcing our shared values and close people-to-people ties. Strong relationships between the United States and the Pacific Islands, individually and collectively, form the foundation of our engagement and presence in the Pacific.”
Micronesia Sun: Looking forward into the future, what are some ongoing Indo-Pacific strategies for greater bonds of cooperation?
Assistant Secretary DeSombre:
“We look forward to continuing Coast Guard operations to combat illegal fishing and protect maritime sovereignty, building digital infrastructure through initiatives like the East Micronesia Cable to boost connectivity. We are also enhancing law enforcement capacity to address transnational crime and strengthening energy security across the region.”
