Bushong is the U.S. Defense Representative for Guam, the CNMI, the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau.
He also commands the U.S. Naval Forces Marianas and the Joint Region Marianas. He replaced Rear Adm. Douglass T. Biesel on March 27, 2010.
Upon his arrival to Chuuk with U.S. Ambassador to the FSM Peter A. Prahar on Sept. 6, Bushong toured the Chuuk State Hospital with Director of Health Services Julio Marar.
The tour highlighted the hospital’s MDR-TB Ward, for which Chuuk was previously internationally recognized.
Marar repeated his appreciation for the 2008 U.S. Department of Defense Pacific Partnership, under which a USNS Mercy engineering team rehabilitated sections of the hospital facility.
The following day the U.S. delegation called upon Chuuk Gov. Wesley Simina and toured the Chuuk road project — a $26 million grant from the Amended Compact Infrastructure Sector Grant funds the project.
Bushong and Prahar rounded out the day with a visit to Mwen Elementary School. During the 2008 Pacific Partnership, the elementary school also underwent extensive renovations.
On Sept. 10, Bushong arrived in Pohnpei. In the afternoon, Bushong and his delegation traveled to Palikir, where they paid office calls on FSM President Emanuel Mori, FSM Congress Speaker Isaac V. Figir, and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin Robert.
Throughout the meetings, Bushong touched on the unique U.S.-FSM relationship and reaffirmed the Department of Defense’s commitment to its treaty obligation under Title III of the Amended Compact, which relates to defense and security matters.
He recognized the sacrifice made by FSM citizens serving in the U.S. military, acknowledging that their support is of the utmost importance.
In light of the recent search and rescue missions, the discussions also touched upon possible national boating safety legislation.
Under the Amended Compact, the U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for conducting search and rescue missions in the FSM.
Following his meetings with national leaders, Bushong visited the Micronesia Transnational Crime Unit where Capt. Johnny Santos welcomed him and provided a brief tour of the facility. TCU receives support from the U.S. Pacific Command.
On Saturday, Bushong and Prahar attended the Pohnpei State Liberation Day opening ceremony at the Spanish Wall in Kolonia Town.
Bushong is a native of Lucas, Texas, and was commissioned upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1981.
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