Federated States of Micronesia. (July 15, 2024): Most Americans are unaware of the special relationship we enjoy with this island country in the Pacific. In this photo by Gunnery Sergeant Sean Arnold, Marines and sailors provide humanitarian disaster relief preparation by offloading bags of rice during exercise Koa Moana 24 held here this week.

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a country spread across the western Pacific Ocean comprising more than six hundred islands and is made up of four separate states, Pohnpei, Kosrae, Chuuk, and Yap. The island chain is in the “Ring of Fire,” an area characterized by active volcanos and frequent earthquakes. In addition to the threats of earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, the FSM is also vulnerable to typhoons, droughts, and landslides. To make matters worse, climate change is driving up sea levels resulting in shortages of drinking water and food insecurity. With most of its population living on the coast, the FSM is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels.

This is where America’s special relationship comes in.

In 1986, the United States signed a Compact of Free Association with the FSM that provides for financial assistance, a pledge to defend the FSM's territorial integrity, and uninhibited travel for FSM citizens to the U.S. In return, the FSM provides the United States with unlimited and exclusive access to its land and waterways for strategic purposes. Each year, hundreds of FSM citizens serve in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and further their education in the United States. The FSM also uses the U.S. dollar as its currency.

Financial assistance is delivered by the U.S. Aid for International Development (USAID) to help communities increase their resilience to disasters and climate risks. USAID provides grants to increase food production, bolster education, improve governance, and better manage natural resources. This year, the FSM secured $9.4 million to improve climate resilience and for disaster preparedness.

While most Americans may not realize it, but we have a strategic friend and partner on the other side of the world.