Within the FSM, 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’s traditional leaders.
After the inauguration ceremony, he departed with U.S. 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, Biesel paid office calls on FSM President Emanuel Mori and FSM Speaker Isaac V. Figir.
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, Biesel visited the Micronesia Transnational Crime Unit where its leader, Capt. Johnny Santos, welcomed him.
Biesel is the U.S. 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 U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas and the Navy Region, Marianas.
He replaced Rear Adm. William French on July 16, 2009.
Biesel’s first flag officer assignment was as commander, Navy Region Midwest United States.
