Guam Guard State Partnership Program holds inaugural event in Palau

The Guam National Guard's State Partnership Program with the Republic of Palau held its inaugural event from Oct. 28 to 31. 

Guam Guard soldiers and airmen collaborated with Palauan agencies to assess emergency action plans and communications capabilities across the island.

This partnership between Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. and Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, aims to build lasting relationships, enhance readiness, and improve interoperability between the U.S. and Palau.

President Whipps welcomed the collaboration, emphasizing the Pacific tradition of mutual support to uphold shared values of freedom and democracy.

The Guam Guardsmen visited agencies like Palau's National Emergency Management Office and Division of Maritime Law Enforcement, discussing challenges in interagency planning and integrated communications.

U.S. Army Maj. Pete Guerrero, officer-in-charge of the four-day event, noted the similarities of the challenges faced on Guam – Palau’s geographic and cultural neighbor in the Second Island Chain.

“The team we brought all have communications backgrounds so we know how the heat and humidity, and proximity to the ocean wreaks havoc on communications equipment,” said Guerrero. 

“Then there’s the tyranny of distance we both have to deal with. This State Partnership is a good fit not only because we can relate to these challenges, but our cultural similarities help us collaborate to find common solutions,” Guerrero added. 

The team provided insights, including a recommendation to reconfigure a high-frequency antenna for better maritime communication.

Outside the DMLE building, the team of Sgt. First Class Jolina Cabe, Technical Sgt. John Patricio, and Sgt. Von Reyes inspected a high-frequency antenna array used for maritime communications up to 200 miles offshore. 

After noting the antenna was configured for directional signal, the team recommended relocating the antenna to the roof and changing the configuration to omnidirectional.

“We didn’t bring a lot in the way of physical resources, but we brought our expertise and our willingness to learn from each other. And I think that’s a good starting point,” said Cabe.