Media Release
U.S. Naval Commander Visits Pohnpei
September 8, 2009
On August 26, the commander of U.S. military forces responsible for the defense of the Federated States of Micronesia, United States Navy Rear Admiral Douglass T. Biesel, arrived for a two-day tour of Pohnpei. Within the FSM, Admiral Biesel comes under the authority of the U.S. Ambassador, serving as the Embassy’s Defense Representative. On the day of his arrival he attended the inauguration ceremony for the new U.S. Embassy in Kolonia and met numerous FSM National and State Government officials, U.S. Government agency representatives, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and Pohnpei Traditional Leaders.
After the inauguration ceremony, the Admiral departed with United States Ambassador Miriam K. Hughes for a meeting with Australian Ambassador Susan Cox and Australian Embassy officials, which included a briefing and tour of the Australian patrol boat program.
In Palikir, the Rear Admiral paid office calls on FSM President Emanuel Mori and FSM Congress Speaker Isaac V. Figir. Admiral Biesel focused on employment opportunities that would arise soon in connection with the Guam military buildup and the transfer of some 8,000 U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam.
Preceding his meetings with national leaders, Admiral Biesel visited the Micronesia Transnational Crime Unit where TCU Leader Captain Johnny Santos welcomed him.
Rear Admiral Biesel is the United States Defense Representative for Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. He is also the Commander for the United States Naval Forces, Marianas and the Navy Region, Marianas. He replaced Rear Admiral William French on July 16, 2009.
Admiral Biesel’s first flag officer assignment was as commander, Navy Region Midwest United States.