U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Lasky Discusses COFA Cooperation in Palau

Photo Sources: U.S, Embassy Koror, Joint Task Force Micronesia, Shaina O’Neal

By Christopher Cottrell

May 27, 2026, Federated States of Micronesia__ U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Josh Lasky, commander, Joint Task Force-Micronesia, recently met with Palau President Whipps Jr. and National Security Coordinator Jennifer Anson to discuss further security cooperation.

According to a statement from the Joint Task Force Micronesia, “During the meetings, the leaders discussed ongoing efforts of the U.S. to maintain the defense and security of Palau under Title 3 of the Compact of Free Association, and opportunities for partnership in the future.”

This is part of the U.S. new National Security Policy announced in November 2025, with Lasky key as the, “U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Senior Military Officer for the Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.”

Last December, Palau and the United States inked, “a series of agreements that insight into Washington is looking at” Palau, and the Pacific Islands in terms of Indo-Pacific policies of the new National Security Policy.

This is also part of Palau’s momentum hosting the 55th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) from August 30-September 4, 2026.