KOROR (Island Times/Pacnews) — The commander of the U.S. Air Force in the Pacific, Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, stressed Palau’s importance as an ally against entities that do not promote an open and free Indo-Pacific region.
General Wilsbach made a short visit to Palau last week and lauded its government for sharing the same “foundational principle with the United States.”
“Both of our nations have a mutual interest of a free and open Indo-Pacific and we are both committed to that goal. Working together is a foundational principle that we both share — and working together with partners, with allies in this region, really in competition with those who don’t want this to be a free and open Indo-Pacific is what we are about,” Wilsbach said in a briefing hosted by the Office of the Palau President.
Wilsbach also thanked the Palau government for asking the U.S. Air Force to conduct more exercises and operations in the island nation.
“My agenda is to do more Air Force activities in the future,” Wilsbach added.
Several U.S. aircraft have been refueling in Palau which has also provided the U.S. Air Force with a training and exercise venue, he said.
In addition, the installation of radar systems in Palau will help the U.S monitor air and maritime traffic in the region, Wilsbach said.
At the same time, he noted that the U.S. is providing Palau with assistance in infrastructure improvements such as airport projects.
“I reiterate again how much we appreciate the warm welcome, the willingness to consider having us come in and help out and contribute,” Wilsbach said.
Kenneth Wilsbach