Operation Irensia: A new chapter in Pacific maritime cooperation

SANTA RITA, Guam — In a display of regional unity and maritime prowess, U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia and Base Guam hosted the inaugural Operation Irensia from June 3-9, 2024, at Apra Harbor, Guam. This landmark event, the successful inaugural Operation Irensia, was a testament to the unity and cooperation among Pacific Island nations and allied forces. It also coincided with World Oceans Week. The culmination of two years of meticulous planning and coordination, the operation brought together the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Australia in a shared commitment to preserving the security and prosperity of the Pacific region. Operation Irensia, meaning ‘heritage’ in Chamorro, symbolizes a shared commitment to preserving the security and prosperity of the Pacific region through enhanced interoperability and cooperative engagement. The operation featured participants from the Republic of Palau with their Guardian-class Patrol Boat (GPB) PSS President HI Remeliik II (001) and the Federated States of Micronesia with their GPB FSS Bethwel Henry (P902) and the Republic of the Marshall Islands with their Pacific-class RMIS Lomor (03), alongside the USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) and USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143), and members of Forces Micronesia and Base Guam.