MAJURO, Republic of the Marshall Islands, (August 25, 2026)
In a significant step to bolster security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) officially joined the Department of Defense State Partnership Program (SPP) during a formal signing ceremony held in Majuro, the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
The new partnership links the RMI with both the Guam National Guard and the Nebraska National Guard, creating a unique tri-lateral relationship focused on mutual benefit and regional stability.
The Aug. 25 ceremony was attended by multiple dignitaries representing each of the tri-lateral partners including Chris DeBrum, director of Republic of the Marshall Islands Office of National Security; Brig Gen. Karin Watson, adjutant general of the Guam National Guard, and Maj. Gen. Craig Strong, adjutant general of the Nebraska National Guard.
This agreement marks a major expansion of the SPP in the Pacific. For nearly 30 years, the program has successfully built relationships between U.S. states and foreign nations, fostering access and influence while enhancing military readiness and interoperability. The partnership will focus on key areas, including emergency management, cyber defense, and security cooperation.
The inclusion of the Nebraska National Guard brings a unique set of capabilities and resources to the partnership, complementing the Guam National Guard’s regional expertise and long-standing presence. This tri-lateral model is designed to provide the Republic of the Marshall Islands with a broad spectrum of support.
“This partnership is more than ceremonial, it reflects a shared commitment to build lasting capacity in areas that matter directly to safety, security and wellbeing of our people,” said Tony Muller, acting minister of foreign affairs and trade,” —Tony Muller.
Both Watson and Strong said their organizations, which have already begun initial talks and planning with leaders from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, are excited to begin working with their new partners.
Today, we are not just building a bridge; we are reinforcing the deep, historic currents that already connect us across Oceania,” said Col. Karin Watson, adjutant general of the Guam National Guard. “This signing today is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a commitment to our shared future. It is a promise that the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the territory of Guam, and the state of Nebraska will learn from one another, support one another, and grow stronger together.
“Today, we begin an important step in establishing the relationships and the friendships upon which this State Partnership Program effort will be based,” said Maj. Gen. Craig Strong, Nebraska Adjutant General. “It is upon our shared values that we build what I believe will become one of the strongest SPP partnerships in all of the Indo-Pacific region… a relationship that will not only bolster security and cooperation, but one that through our combined efforts will help make each of us stronger, more resilient and capable of solving our common and our unique challenges.”
The State Partnership Program is a U.S. Department of Defense program managed by the National Guard that links U.S. states with partner countries around the world to support the security cooperation objectives of the United States. MAJURO, Republic of the Marshall Islands, (August 25, 2026)
