More than $2 billion worth of military projects on Yap will move forward after Federated States of Micronesia President Wesley Simina met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
According to the FSM National Government, the meeting between the two leaders on March 27 at Andersen Air Force Base was the first high-level bilateral engagement between the FSM and the United States under the new U.S. administration.
The meeting reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the two nations under the Compact of Free Association and set the tone for continued strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
In a joint statement by the U.S. Department of Defense and the FSM, the meeting resulted in a mutual understanding enabling the U.S. Department of Defense to begin planning and construction on key infrastructure projects in the State of Yap.
This milestone follows several years of close coordination and reflects both nations’ shared commitment to strengthening regional security and local development.
These Yap-based projects—expected to exceed $2 billion in future U.S. investments—will provide strategic operational and exercise capabilities for U.S. forces and serve as a cornerstone of renewed defense cooperation.
“The principals committed to continuing to work closely together as projects advance," the two governments affirmed in the joint statement.
President Simina emphasized that the Yap Four Pillars— environment, safety, maintenance and social aspects—remain priority in the implementation of all DoD activities in Yap.
“The leadership and values of Yap State are guiding this process,” said President Simina. “The Four Pillars ensure that this cooperation is not only strategic, but also deeply rooted in local values and long-term benefit for our communities.”
President Simina also reaffirmed the FSM’s strong support for continued U.S. military cooperation, including the impactful work of the U.S. Navy Seabees, and upcoming Pacific Partnership 2025 and Koa Moana 2025 deployments.
President Simina also addressed several other national priorities with Secretary Hegseth, including:
• The continuation and extension of the 333 Program to strengthen FSM law enforcement and maritime security.
• Reinstatement of Civil Action Team Camps to support community infrastructure.
• Support for FSM veterans, including efforts to establish a framework agreement to improve access to health services and benefits.
• Environmental concerns related to WWII-era shipwreck oil removal in Chuuk Lagoon.
• Infrastructure priorities highlighted at the Joint Committee Meeting, including maritime safety projects in Pohnpei and Kosrae.
The meeting, held early in the new U.S. Administration, signals strong continuity and momentum in the U.S.-FSM relationship.
President Simina reaffirmed the FSM’s commitment to the Compact and to its enduring partnership with the United States.
“As we enter this new chapter, we remain steadfast in our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific—and to a partnership with the United States grounded in mutual trust, shared values, and a vision of peace and progress for our Blue Pacific Continent,” Simina said.
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