GIFF JOHNSON
An unusual signing ceremony Tuesday at the Marshall Islands Resort now links the Marshall Islands — and specifically the Office of National Security — with two US National Guard units.
The signing of a State Partnership Program agreement by two National Guard generals and Office of National Security Director Chris deBrum ushers in a new level of US-RMI cooperation on many levels.
President Hilda Heine led an A-list of government VIPs attending the ceremony at Marshall Islands Resort’s Lomalo Room. The program was emceed by Renee Cabral, advisor to Office of National Security Director deBrum.
With the signing, the RMI joins 116 other countries in the world that maintain State Partnership Program links with US National Guard units. In the case of RMI, Tuesday’s signing connects it with National Guard from Nebraska and Guam, making it one of only a few countries with ties to two different states.
The RMI becomes the second freely associated state after Palau to enter the State Partnership Program. Palau has partnered with Guam’s National Guard since 2024.
An important element of the agreement is that it involves the governors of Nebraska and Guam, both of whom signed the partnership agreement prior to Tuesday’s signing in Majuro.
Acting Foreign Minister Tony Muller said the agreements would “build lasting capacity” in RMI for safety, security and well people of the people. This included involvement with RMI authorities for disaster preparation and emergency responses.
Members of these Guard units were in Majuro last week to join in the emergency response drill for a mock airplane crash.
Acting US Embassy Chargé Ruby Marcelo said the signing was a demonstration of the “close partnership” between the two nations.
“RMI is one of the few countries with two National Guard units involved,” said Major General Craig Strong, who heads the Nebraska state National Guard. “The governor of Nebraska is supporting this collaboration.” He pointed out that the three partners to the agreement will be learning from each other. “The relationship bolsters security and makes each of us stronger, more resilient,” Strong said, adding that agriculture, education, medical and construction were among areas that his unit and state were interested in partnering on with the RMI.
Brigadier General Karin Watson, who heads the National Guard in Guam, spoke during the signing. She emphasized that Guam as an island shared experiences with the Marshall Islands. “Guam understands your challenges because we face them ourselves,” she said.
Watson emphasized: “The signing is not symbolic. It is a commitment to learn, support and grow with one another.”