By Bernadette H. Carreon
Horizon news staff

President Remengesau on Friday welcomed the new Civic Action Team replacing the Air Force Team 07-03.
For the first time, the president attended the formal turnover calling the team as "America’s best diplomats."
Air Force CAT 07-03 bid Palau goodbye during a turnover ceremony last April 13 after a six-month stint. The team was replaced by Navy CAT 04-29.
The president said any team that is deployed in Palau has always made contributions to Palau’s nation building.
"You are the faces that Palauans see everyday, putting in long hours on projects that improve our quality of life. It is popular these days to speak of nation building in the foreign policy context, but for nearly four decades you have been true nation builders here in Palau," the president said during the turnover ceremony.
Remengesau thanked the outgoing team for its hard work for their six-month stay.
"I thank you on behalf of all Palauans for your hard work and dedication to our nation. You will always have a place in our hearts and minds and you will always be welcome on our island," Remengesau said.
He also welcomed the new Navy Seabee team who will be deployed here for six months.
"The next six months will be a great time for you-I’m sure your Air Force predecessors will fill you in on their many adventures here, if they haven’t already. I just hope that they spent at least a little time talking about the work you will be doing," the president said.
Air Force team outgoing officer-in-charge Capt. Ryan Walinski said that he had " the opportunity to work with the best and most qualified members of the Air Force."
He said at the start of the deployment he knew that members of his team will exceed his expectation.
He said that his team as expected prove him right making them the best team to serve Palau.
He said his team has enjoyed their stay in Palau and looking forward to visiting the country in the future.
The new team is led by LtJG Andrew Frazier.