Your Excellency Hilda Heine, Congratulations on your historic election as President!  I know you will be an inspiration for a new generation of leaders, as young people see how a commitment to education can lead to great things.  The United States is proud to be a partner with the Marshall Islands on international issues in …

This year is the fourth in a row Coach Tom Newell, former coach of the NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks, visits to the Marshall Islands. Coach Tom is touring the schools, talking about nutrition, sports and how good health habits lead to better ability to learn in class. He also meet with Majuro Business community and government …

During the Ceremony of the Opening of the Nitijela on January 4, 2016, the newly elected senators were sworned-in by Chief Justice Daniel Cadra. The senators then elected amoung their peers as Speaker of the Nitijela Senator Kenneth Kedi, as Vice Speaker Sanator Jejwarick Anton. Finally, Senator Casten Ned Nemra was elected as the new …

16 Days of Activism Kicks Off with March: The 16 Days of Activism kicked off in Majuro on Wednesday with a march against gender violence that began in Delap Park and ended at the 16 Days of Activism opening ceremony at the College of the Marshall Islands. The Embassy participated in the March, along with …

Della Mae Live in Majuro! Embassy Majuro welcomed Nashville-based bluegrass band Della Mae with traditional Marshallese songs and dances performed by Youth to Youth in Health.  Band members spent the week holding music workshops with local youth around town.  Their visit will culminate Saturday night with a free all ages concert in Delap Park at 7 …

The U.S. Army Garrison – Kwajalein Atoll held a change of command ceremony on Wednesday, where Col. Nestor Sadler formally transferred authority and responsibility to the garrison’s new commander, Col. Michael Larsen.  Ambassador Armbruster spoke at the event which was attended by Lt. Gen. David Mann, commander of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense …

This year again the Ambassadors to the Marshall Islands toured the schools who took part to the Ambassadors Garden Prize 2015: Assumption School was voted the most improved and best school participation, with kids from all grades taking part in the effort. The garden had doubled in size since last year. Marshall Islands High School …

The United States hosted the mid-year Joint Economic Management and Fiscal Accountability Committee meeting in the San Francisco on April 17.  The meeting focused on education, health and infrastructure projects, in particular reviewing priorities identified by Foreign Minister deBrum and Assistant Secretary of the Interior Esther Kia’aina during her recent trip to the Marshalls.  Specific …

Assistant Secretary of the Interior Esther Kia’aina visited the RMI in March to discuss a full range of issues.  President Loeak and his Cabinet discussed the resettlement of Rongelap Atoll and Compact Impact.  A/S Kia’aina also has a strong concern about climate change and sea level rise and would like to see the RMI become a model …

Remembrance Day in the Marshall Islands: Today the Embassy and CMI rededicated the Sgt. Solomon Sam Sports center to honor fallen RMI soldiers like Sgt. Sam and to pay tribute to Marshallese Scouts in WWII, victims and survivors of cold war nuclear testing and veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq. Throughout these conflicts the RMI has …

Two weeks of sports diplomacy kick-off with Coach Tom Newell, former coach of the NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks, who began his third visit to the Marshall Islands January 4, meeting with the Marshall Islands Basketball Federation (MBIF) to discuss the broad range of sports development in the RMI. He pivoted to lunch with the members of …

U.S. Embassy joined RMI EPA and College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) team on Friday November 27 for the Coral Relocation project phase II. After moving the coral from the dredging site associated with the airport runway extension to a protected area during phase I, the coral now needs to be “planted” in cement forms …

Ambassador Armbruster addressed veterans, families and friends at the U.S. Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll today and joined Acting Commander Jenifer Peterson in laying a wreath at the flagpole. The Ambassador said “As on all Veterans Days, we can only thank, appreciate and tip our hats to the veterans. We can never repay the debt in full, …

“Kapeel in meto”, translates to mean, “The skill of the ocean…”, this is what a $31,000 grant to Waan Aelõñ in Majel (WAM) will help preserve.  The money comes from the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation and was one of only forty seven such grants around the world this year.  Embassy Majuro congratulates the …

The U.S. military today successfully intercepted an intermediate-range ballistic missile test target launched from the U.S. Army’s Reagan Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, according to a Defense Department news release issued today. The Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Air Force 30th Space Wing, the Joint Functional Component Command, Integrated …

Celebrate democracy this 4th of July by taking the necessary steps to vote in the 2014 U.S. elections! In order to vote in the November 2014 elections, all overseas U.S. citizens need to have completed a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) in 2014. Whether you are a first-time voter or have already received ballots and voted absentee in past elections, you …

All babies in the RMI are now screened for deafness and hearing loss prior to discharge from the hospital.  If the baby does have hearing loss, deaf education starts right away!  The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program is run by Nancy Rushmer and Chinilla Pedro, part of the Pacific Outreach Initiative from the …

The US, Republic of China Taiwan, and Japanese Ambassadors judged  several gardens across Majuro on Wednesday, selecting winning gardens among various categories in the First Annual Ambassador’s School Garden Prize. One memorable comment from the gardeners was, “We’re doing this for our families, our community, and our nation.” The gardens were all remarkable achievements, each with a …

The U.S. Government on April 2 launched the five-year Pacific-American Climate Fund in Majuro, on the heels of earlier roll-outs in Suva and Port Moresby. The US$24-million grant program will provide grants to qualifying civil society organizations (CSOs) to implement climate change adaptation activities in twelve countries in the Pacific.  Marshall Ferrin, Mission Director for …

Your vote counts! Did you know that many recent U.S. elections have been decided by a margin smaller than the number of ballots cast by military and overseas voters?  All states are required to count every absentee ballot as long as it is valid and reaches local election officials by the absentee ballot receipt deadline. …

Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Rose Gottemoeller represented the United States at the Remembrance Day commemoration of the Castle Bravo nuclear test on March 1, 1954. This year was the 60th anniversary of the test, and it was fitting that the Under Secretary attended the event which was covered by the international …

His first stop was Majuro.  After a long series of flights starting in Washington, D.C., “SecNav” arrived after a five hour flight from Honolulu.  This visit gave him an opportunity to reinforce the maritime relationship between the United States and the Marshall Islands and to express his thanks for the continued friendship and cooperation between …

Great strides are being made in the RMI on deaf education and Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI).  Nancy Rushmer and Chinilla Pedro of the EHDI program, part of the Pacific Outreach Initiative from the Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaii, have been working with parents and educators in Majuro and Ebeye …

On November 8, 2013 Super Typhoon Haiyan, also known as Yolanda, slammed into the central Philippines, affecting an estimated 10 million people, particularly in the city of Tacloban and the remote areas of Leyte and Eastern Samar provinces. Most of us have received phone calls, emails and messages from concerned family members and friends, wanting …

Fern Lehman, Biology teacher at the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) is working on one more angle in understanding health and nutrition in the Marshall Islands. She and her class are mapping and quantifying the availability of fresh food in local stores.  The study so far confirms that not many stores in Majuro sell …

Ever since President Obama declared a drought in the Marshall Islands on June 14, 2013, international partners, including the U.S., have been working with the RMI government to make the Marshalls more resilient to drought.  The Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance is doing a survey this week of the food situation on each atoll affected …

Four young women and ten young men were sworn in this month as the newest U.S. Army recruits.  They are the “cream of the crop,” among the top ten percent of those who took and passed the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) here in the Marshall Islands.  Marshallese citizens continue to join the U.S. …

Friday the 13th, career day at the ICC for high school seniors as well as Majuro’s two colleges will hopefully bring some good luck to the students who attended.  The U.S. Embassy was represented by Ambassador Armbruster and Pol/Econ Officer Jeff Shelden.  The embassy team answered questions about our sponsorship of the event, the life …

ajuro, September 6, 2013 – This afternoon, the United States and the Republic of Kiribati signed a boundary treaty delimiting the waters between their two countries. The boundary treaty was signed on behalf of the United States by Ambassador Frankie A. Reed and, for the Republic of Kiribati, by President Anote Tong. The treaty was …

Remarks at Pacific Islands Forum Post-Forum Dialogue Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell September 6, 2013   As prepared for delivery Thank you very much for the warm welcome, President Loeak.  It is a pleasure to be here in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. I am honored to be the first Secretary of the …

The inconsistent availability of air support provided by the sole Air Marshall Islands aircraft means air access (the “air bridge”) to all drought affected areas has been challenging as the government of the RMI has been reluctant to allow air operations into the country other than Air Marshall Islands.  Nevertheless, IOM with support from USAID/OFDA …

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell will lead the U.S. government delegation to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Post Forum Dialogue on September 6 in Majuro, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, to highlight and build upon our historic relations with the peoples and nations of the Pacific. Secretary Jewell’s participation in …

Over forty-five new and returning teachers from World Teach, Dartmouth, and Coop gathered under the embassy patio for drinks, pizza and few words from Embassy staff.  Ambassador Armbruster extended a warm welcome to all of the new and returning teachers, and greeted them with a quiz on Marshall Islands trivia, complete with prizes for the …

What do you do when hundreds of blind people crowd into the Majuro Hospital outpatient clinic?  The Canvasback Missions Ophthalmology team gets right to work!   Led by Jacque Spence, co-founder of the mission and Jeffrey Ing, MD., the team is making a tremendous impact at the Majuro Hospital.  By the end of the mission, the …

Fish for dinner!  On Friday, July 26th, Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs officially awarded to the Rongelap Atoll Local Government $150,000 in grant funding through the FY 2013 OIA Technical Assistance Program to support Rongelap’s Community Based Fish Feed Mill Project.  This is a unique project and utilizes the natural advantages of …

Assumption High School hosted five American high school seniors, as well as two teachers, from Maryknoll Catholic School in Honolulu, Hawaii.  The American students were in the RMI for three weeks volunteering their time tutoring incoming Assumption High School students. The Assumption students, all incoming freshman, eagerly signed up for the chance, hoping to be …

After dozens of activities, United States Ambassador Thomas H. Armbruster delivered the final thirteen boxes of Pacific Partnership humanitarian supplies.  The boxes, delivered on July 24, contained backpacks donated by the Church of Latter Day Saints for the Ministry of Education.  The book bags have some special prizes from the Embassy and will go to …

The Marshall Islands welcomed Charles Guard and Reggie White of the National Oceans and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to lead the Annual National Weather Service Tropical Cyclone, Disaster Preparedness, and Climate Workshop.  Participants of the workshop included 22 Marshallese counterparts representing multiple government ministries. The NOAA workshop, which covered a multitude of topics, came at an …

The Marshall Islands is taking steps that could move the country away from the U.S. Department of States’s Trafficking in Persons “watch list.”  A three day workshop in Majuro entitled “The National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) Pacific Regional Response to Human Trafficking” took place from June 28-July 1, wrapping-up with an address by Ambassador Armbruster …

In two well-attended performances on July 5th and 6th,  Youth-to-Youth in Health peer educators entertained as well as educated audiences who came to see the latest offering from this established and accomplished local NGO that addresses youth issues.   Before the inaugural performance on July 5th, Ambassador Armbruster and Pacific Partnership Commodore Wallace Lovely gave opening …

Pockmarked by the craters of bombs that did explode, as well as endangered by a variety of unexploded ordnance from both sides of the epic struggle over this WWII Japanese airbase, Taroa will soon become a safer place for its 300 or so residents and visitors.  The Japanese built a significant military installation here prior …

The jump ball that began the July 6th basketball game between the Navy’s Pacific Partnership All-Stars, and the Marshall Island’s Olympic Team was the end a long road that began even before Coach Newell arrived in the Marshall Islands on January 3rd of this year.  That visit, part of the State Department’s Sports Diplomacy Program, …

On July 8th, Casten Nemra, Chief Secretary and chairman of the RMI’s National Disaster Committee, made it plain in his opening comments to workshop participants that everyone was here today to learn from their experiences so far with the RMI’s Drought Emergency, and to hear recommendations for the road forward.  All comments were welcome, he …

The opening ceremony of the Pacific Partnership 13 Mission to the Marshall Islands took place on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at the Delap Park.  The ceremony kicked off  two weeks of humanitarian and infrastructure projects and activities that are will take place on Majuro and Ebeye.  Commanding Officer Commander Michael Harris of the USS Pearl …

On Saturday morning July 6  US Ambassador Thomas Armbruster and  US Navy Pacific Partnership 13 Commander CDRE Wallace Lovely were present at Delap dock to witness the loading of a 30,000 Gallon/day Reverse Osmosis Machine onto a US Navy landing craft for transport to the USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) for onward movement to Ebeye.  …

Pacific Women Climate Leaders August 18-28, 2013 Washington, D.C., and additional cities Deadline June 20, 2013 The U.S. State Department Office of Global Women’s Issues and Office of International Visitors are pleased to announce a special opportunity for a ten-day voluntary visitor program to promote women’s leadership roles in addressing climate change, increasing energy access …

On June 12, Embassy Majuro Military Liaison Officer Tom Mau presented an official U.S. Coast Guard Academy Certificate of Appointment to James Francis “Vinny” Myazoe II.  Also present at the brief ceremony were RMI President Christopher Loeak , several Cabinet Ministers, and U.S. Ambassador Armbruster, who joined in congratulating Vinny on his appointment to the …

On June 10, 2013, Ambassador Armbruster and Information Assistant Erin Jacobs attended the opening of Youth-to-Youth-in Health’s (YTYIH) annual summer workshop for its peer educator training.  YTYIH is a local NGO that employs youth educators to work with other Marshall Islands youth, addressing important issues facing Marshall Islands youth today, including substance abuse, reproductive health, …

Baptist High students Philomena Brechtefeld and Drago Dujmovic get ready to go to Stanford University in California while Marshall Islands High student Selina Leem prepares to go to Princeton in New Jersey under the Junior Statesman of America program.  The three week course will help prepare them for college and to be future leaders.  Philomena …

The Marshall Islands celebrated World Oceans day on Saturday June 8th with a cleanup effort that focused on Uliga Village, Majuro.   RMI local youth group JOJIKUM and participants were out bright and early to help clean up the beaches and lagoon. Ambassador Armbruster and Embassy staff member Yetta Aliven helped clean out the lagoon by …

The Republic of the Marshall Islands marked the International Day for Biodiversity on May 24.  The theme was “Water for Life,” a timely theme with the RMI experiencing drought.  Speakers urged a national awareness effort and reminded the audience that biodiversity is vital to the RMI’s future and quality of life.  Minister Tony DeBrum noted …

Last week the RMI National Tuberculosis Control Program hosted representatives from WHO, SPC, and CDC.  Dr. Jack, the Medical Director for the RMI TB Program led the team on a review of treatment for TB and MDR TB. TB remains a major health problem for the Marshall Islands.  Recent efforts to treat TB in the …

The self-watering container garden is a practical idea introduced to the RMI by the Wellness Center.  In 2012 the US Embassy gave the Wellness Center a grant to put the plan in action, and on May 8, Dan Larsen, the Director of the Department of State office that covers the Marshall Islands visited Wellness Center …

On May 6, Ambassador Armbruster and General Services Officer Fred Reichard presented airplane e-tickets and itineraries to Malia Nii and Nicodemus Lajidrik, the two RMI participants attending the upcoming Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders program later this month.  The SUSI program provides groups of undergraduate student leaders with a deeper understanding …

On May 2, Ambassador Armbruster and Information Assistant Erin Jacobs visited Waan Aelon in Majel (WAM) where staff are hard at work producing the first-ever U.S. Embassy Majuro “Coins.”  These coins—styled after the “Challenge coins” used by many organizations, especially the military—will be given away by U.S. Embassy staff members as tokens of appreciation and …

The RMI is contributing to scientific research in the upper atmosphere.  NASA’s Dr. Joyce Winterton, Senior Advisor for Education and Leadership, spoke to College of the Marshall Islands students on April 22 about NASA’s sounding rocket program.  An upcoming launch on Kwajalein Atoll will study “space weather” in the ionosphere.  The launch is part of …

On April 16 and 17, U.S. Navy Captain Wallace Lovely led a small delegation to Majuro to prepare for the upcoming Pacific Partnership 2013, a humanitarian assistance mission that will visit the RMI and other Pacific Island countries later this year.  These missions include sailors from a number of countries and helps to improve the …

The first-ever Majuro wide Science Fair featured projects from the College of the Marshall Islands, Majuro Middle School and the Co-op School.  Some 20 entries were submitted from area schools. Every team had an opportunity to explain their entry to the judges.  During the award ceremony for the Embassy co-sponsored event, Ambassador Armbruster said he …

Embassy Science Fellow, Michael Donovan, is collaborating with the Republic of the Marshall Islands Environmental Protection Authority (RMIEPA) where he is expanding capacity in surveying and mapping. Donovan is applying geospatial technologies to bolster RMIEPA’s environmental monitoring. His work aims to assist the Authority in its mission to ensure environmental sustainability and regulated coastal development. …

A multi-agency team led by Len Austin, deputy director of Golden West Humanitarian Foundation, surveyed Mili and Maloelap Atolls to prepare for the safe disposal of unexploded ordnance (UXO). The expedition identified unexploded ordnance that will be removed to safeguard the residents in the most inhabited areas of those atolls. Sponsored by the U.S. Embassy, …

Trio Chicago & Friends (TC&F), an American music ensemble praised for its annual tours to remote parts of the globe as cultural ambassadors, visited the Marshall Islands last week as part of a Pacific Island tour that also included stops in the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau.  While in the Marshall Islands, TC&F performed …

Pacific marine resources now have additional protection.  On March 19, Ambassador Thomas Armbruster and Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Foreign Minister Phillip Muller signed an amendment to the 2008 U.S.-RMI Agreement Concerning Cooperation in Maritime Surveillance and Interdiction Activities.  Under the amended agreement, RMI law enforcement officials can now be embarked as shipriders aboard …

The CDC Project Officer for the Marshall Island’s National Immunization Program, Mimi Larzelere, and the Guam-based Public Health Advisor assigned to the Marshall Islands, Mary Huynh, have been meeting with Immunization program officials this week to provide technical assistance to program staff.  The National Immunization Program receives $1 million dollars in US funding to implement …

As part of worldwide events to celebrate and honor women on International Women’s Day, the RMI held a multicultural parade downtown in Majuro along with several other well-attended events in Majuro on March 9.  First Lady Anono Loeak and several other prominent women spoke at the events, encouraging greater respect for women and celebrating women …

Isabela Silk, a Foreign Service Officer for the Republic of the Marshall Islands, represented her country at the Future Leaders of the Pacific Conference held in Pago Pago, American Samoa February 4-7, 2013. The conference was announced by Secretary Clinton in 2012 during her visit to the Pacific Islands Forum in the Cook Islands and …

In commemoration of Nuclear Remembrance Day 2013, the U.S. Embassy in Majuro donated fifteen photographs to the RMI to be displayed at the newly renovated Nuclear Institute at the College of the Marshall Islands.  These fifteen photographs provide a visual context of the era of U.S. nuclear testing in the RMI that will supplement the …

The Marshall Islands inaugurated a new vessel for Tobolar on Friday, February 28, 2013 at the Uliga Dock.  The Tobolar ship is a donation of the Government of the Republic of China (ROC) Taiwan that will be used to transport coconut oil from the outer islands for processing in Majuro.  Coconut oil is one of …

The students from Marshall Islands High School, Assumption School and the Co-op School have been very busy the past seven weeks rehearsing and preparing for this year’s performance of Leonard Bernstein’s spectacular Broadway musical “West Side Story.” Dances have been choreographed and rehearsed, lines have been learned, songs have been sung, videos have been made, …

Michael Donovan, an expert in urban planning with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), arrived on February 26 in Majuro as part of the Embassy Science Fellows program.  Michael will be supporting the RMI Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in its efforts to monitor coastal change through using geospatial analysis, including Geographic Information Systems …

Don’t worry—aliens have not landed!  On February 14, Embassy first-responders participated in an all-day weapons of mass destruction (WMD) training, culminating with a simulated “emergency situation” wherein the Embassy was the site of a WMD attack.  During this enactment, Embassy first responders donned their full first-responder outfits to treat the “victims” of the attack…attracting the …

On February 14, 2013 Ambassador Armbruster attended the opening ceremony for Majuro Day celebrations.  Performers rendered the national anthem in sign language and Marshall Islands President Christopher Loeak was the keynote speaker as the Majuro Day holiday kicked off.  There was dancing (in the rain), good food, and sports to celebrate the commemoration of the …

Education Week is underway in the Marshall Islands!  Five debate teams took on the important question of whether poverty alleviation should take precedence over environmental stewardship.  It was a hard fought debate with students noting the need for a clean environment to attract tourists and create jobs and to have a sustainable future based on …

Ambassador Armbruster joined hundreds of Kwajalein Atoll residents on Ebeye Island to mark the 69thanniversary of the liberation of Kwajalein Atoll from the Japanese in World War Two. The ceremony included US Army-Garrison Kwajalein Atoll officers, Ebeye Mayor Lemari, and Minister for Assistance Tony DeBrum who delivered the keynote address and said that the US-Marshall …

Ambassador Armbruster presented the RMI government with a check for over $8 million this week to go towards, education, health, environmental and food security programs.  On Ejit Island, school children welcomed the opening of new classrooms and restrooms funded through Compact of Free Association allocations.  The new classrooms will allow the Ejit school to have …

Demand for the Flying Doctors of America has been tremendous, and the doctors, surgeons, dentists, and mental health care professionals have provided hundreds of surgeries, medical exams, and services on remote outer islands and in Majuro.  Ambassador Armbruster traveled with the team to Arno Atoll, and helped hand out over 190 pairs of prescription eyeglasses …

The 2nd of February each year is designated as World Wetlands Day. This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands (known as the Ramsar Convention) on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. The 2013 World Wetlands Day theme is “Wetlands and Water Management,” reflecting how the wise …

On January 30, 2013, hundreds of students and educators joined Minister of Education Dr. Hilda Heine at a morning ceremony to officially launch the One Laptop per Child program in the Marshall Islands.  Delap Elementary School on Majuro will be the first school in the RMI to receive and begin using the laptops for its …

The Marshall Islands Ministry of Education, Gallaudet Regional Center of the Pacific, and the Pacific and Hawaii Deaf-Blind Project are all working together to further educational opportunities for deaf and blind children.  The RMI has one of the highest incidences of deafness in the region.  Majuro has some 70 deaf students.  Two new Deaf World …

The Flying Doctors have landed!  Atlanta-based NGO “Flying Doctors” are fanning out across the Marshall Islands to perform surgeries, dental procedures, and health awareness clinics.  Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Interior, the Flying Doctors work with their Marshallese partners to prioritize needs and address health emergencies during their stay.  The 22 …

While modern computers and mapping applications have made it easier for people to get from place to place in most parts of the world, the vast areas of open water in the Pacific Ocean remain mostly uncharted – except, of course, for old fashioned nautical charts.  On January 24, Ambassador Thomas Armbruster presented a full …

General Formica, SGT Major Turner, President Loeak and Ambassador Armbruster unveiled the Louis Zamperini plaque dedicating the cafeteria at the U.S. Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll in Zamperini’s honor. Louis Zamperini, now 96, is a former Olympic athlete, Airman in the Pacific, and survivor of weeks at sea in a raft after his plane was shot …

On January 16, 2013, United States Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll (USAG-KA) will host a ceremony to dedicate and rename the current USAG-KA dining facility as the Captain Louis S. Zamperini Dining Facility. Commanding General of the Space and Missile Defense Command, Lieutenant General Richard Formica, will conduct the distinguished ceremony.  Invited guests include the President of …

RMI President Christopher Loeak delivered an inspiring call to action in his State of the Nation address, highlighting accomplishments and challenges related to public sector reforms (taxes, public sector employment and State-Owned Enterprises), education, health, fisheries, alternative energy, and climate change.   Ambassador Armbruster, Deputy Chief of Mission Doug Carey, U.S. Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll (USAG-KA) …

On January 3, Coach Tom Newell arrived in Majuro to begin his 10 day trip to the Marshall Islands as part of the State Department’s Sports Diplomacy program. On his first day in Majuro, Coach Newell met with the RMI President and the RMI National Olympic Committee and Basketball Federation, sharing his plans to conduct …

The mission of a U.S. diplomat in the Foreign Service is to promote peace, support prosperity, and protect American citizens while advancing the interests of the U.S. abroad. If you’re a U.S. citizen and passionate about public service and want to represent the U.S. around the world, a challenging and rewarding career is waiting for …

As part of this year’s 16 Days of Activism activities, Ambassador Armbruster served on a panel of judges evaluating entries submitted for an Anti-corruption Essay contest.  The essay contest was organized by Women United Together Marshall Islands (WUTMI) in conjunction with the RMI Auditor General’s office, and other members of the judging panel included representatives …

Thank you to the students of Majuro Cooperative School for the condolence card and photo presented to Ambassador Armbruster in tribute to the students from Sandy Hook school.  On December 20, the entire school put away its red school uniforms and wore green and white, the school colors of Sandy Hook, to honor the children …

As the site of nuclear testing in the 1950’s, the Bikini Atoll continues to be studied today by scientists like Terry Hamilton from Lawrence Livermore Laboratories. Dr. Hamilton is a radioecologist, interested in seeing how levels of cesium-137 and strontium-90 in soil and plant samples can be lowered to allow people to resettle on islands …

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory continues to operate a Whole Body Count program in Majuro to determine the amount of radiation in a person, whether for those people exposed to residual fallout contamination in the environment, or simply interested in having a check.  The Marshall Islands Whole Body Counting Program is the largest per-capita national radiological …

On November 29, representatives from the Regional Invasive Species Council (RISC) of Micronesia presented to the Micronesian Chief Executives’ Summit in Majuro on the importance of combating invasive species.  RISC of Micronesia is a Guam-based organization that has representatives in Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Saipan, …

Ambassador Armbruster and Political/Economic officer Andrew Zvirzdin met with Base Manager Jin Liang and toured the Marshall Islands Fishing Venture (MIFV) tuna processing plant on November 28.  With a fleet of approximately 40 long-line fishing vessels, MIFV exports several tons of fresh and frozen yellow fin tuna to the United States every month.  The processing …

Majuro Radio host Fred Pedro interviewed Ambassador Armbruster on December 4 and asked about everything from the legacy of 1950’s era nuclear testing to U.S. contingency plans should the “fiscal cliff” become a reality.  The Ambassador was upbeat about U.S.-RMI relations, especially given the renewed focus of the United States on the Pacific region.  He …

RMI President Loeak opened the 18th Micronesian Executives’ Summit promoting economic development, environmental stewardship, and unity among the 22,000 islands that make up the region. While the individual islands may appear as “specks” from space, the President said, collectively they constitute an area the size of the continental United States. All of the nations have close …

The United States has a long history of cooperation and collaboration with the Pacific Island States to protect and conserve these resources for current and future generations.  The fisheries for tuna in the Western and Central Pacific are the largest and most valuable in the world.  Our Shiprider program – which allows fisheries enforcement officials …

On December 3rd, Ambassador Armbruster read children’s stories to a group of more than 50 children with disabilities at the International Convention Center in Majuro, as part of the 16 Days of Activism to celebrate and promote Human Rights in the Marshall Islands.  The story reading was part of an activity-filled day for these children …

On November 27, 2012, Ambassador Thomas Armbruster presented a check in the amount of $75,000.00 to Mayor of Utrik Atoll, John Kaiko.  The funding is a matching grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to Utrik Local Government to complete phase II construction project of the City Hall on Utrik Atoll.  The USDA …

On November 26, Ambassador Armbruster and other U.S. Embassy Majuro staff took part in the March to Take a Stand walkathon sponsored by Women United Together Marshall Islands (WUTMI) and the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) during the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women.  The march was part of the 16 Days of Activism …

The Marshall Islands Sea Patrol has a new vessel for its fleet: the LOMOR II.  Marshallese for “saved,” it’s  a 46-foot fiberglass boat designed to monitor Majuro lagoon, serve as a faster and more economical alternative to the larger, Australian-funded LOMOR, and to conduct inspections and rapid response operations within a 200-mile radius of Majuro …

Ambassador A. and Political Officer Andrew Zvirzdin took the plunge with mariculture expert Provan Crump as work began to restore coral removed for airport construction.  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has ongoing safety improvements underway at the airport that have required dredging just offshore.  Mr. Crump has been contracted to restore coral in areas where …

For nine years, U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA) has hosted the Marshallese Trade Fair, with this year’s fair taking place on November 19th.   The trade fair is an occasion for vendors all across the Marshall Islands to converge on Kwajalein and offer their unique handicrafts and fresh produce and fish to the Kwajalein community. Island …

Although some of the Pacific tuna produced here ends up on dinner plates as far away as Algeria, 70% of the tuna processed at the Pan Pacific Foods plant in Majuro is marketed in the United States, particularly under the Bumblebee brand.  For more and more seafood consumers, sustainability is a selling point.  The Marine …

The RMI Ministry of Education is using Compact funds to purchase one thousand special laptop computers through the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) Project, an exciting initiative that will revolutionize education in the RMI.  The laptops will go to eight public elementary schools in the RMI, three schools in Majuro and five schools in the …

On November 10, Ambassador Thomas Armbruster and the Commander of the U.S. Army installation on Kwajalein Atoll, Colonel Shannon Boehm, met with traditional leadership and residents on Ebeye Island.  The Ambassador and Ebeye residents shared several ideas on how best to improve the education and health of the Ebeye community, and also discussed ways the …

Ambassador Armbruster spoke at the Kwajalein Veterans Memorial Ceremony on Veterans Day.  In his remarks, the Ambassador emphasized the unique role USAKA plays in preserving American freedom today and commended Marshallese citizens for their important contributions to the U.S. armed forces.   Also participatingwere Boy and Girl Scouts, the American Legion Post (giving the 21-gun …

Last month a new portable water storage tank was introduced to Majuro by CMI Land Grant’s Jina David and Trisha Macomber from the University of Hawaii’s Rainwater Catchment Program.  The project’s focus is to find low cost solutions for potable water storage, particularly for the outer islands. What they came up with is the “bob” …

On November 11, Ambassador Armbruster visited the Coast Guard Cutter Sequoia at the US Army Base Kwajalein Atoll.  The Sequoia is a buoy tender that has participated in the “Ship Rider” program, allowing law enforcement officials from the Marshall Islands to use the Sequoia as a platform for maritime enforcement.  The Sequoia was successful in …

As part of the Global Entrepreneurship Week initiative held around the world with support from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Embassy and the College of the Marshall Islands hosted an entrepreneurship panel on November 13 at the College of the Marshall Islands.  The panel featured local business representatives who discussed the challenges and …

Engineers and planners from the United States Army and Navy joined representative from the RMI government and the U.S. Embassy in Majuro on a visit to Aur atoll on November 7 as part of a planning exercise for the upcoming “Pacific Partnership” exercise in 2013.  Minister Hilda Heine – the senator from Aur – escorted …

November 8, 2012–The whole community turned out to dedicate Enewa Elementary School on Ailinglaplap atoll, one of two new U.S.-funded schools on the island.   Ambassador Armbruster joined Minister of Education Hilda Heine in dedicating the school that will provide island children with the skills they need to succeed.  The U.S. is also working on providing …

The U.S. Embassy in Majuro hosted an interactive “Election Open House” November 7 to view the 2012 Election results and discuss American politics.  Guests included Marshall Islands government officials, Majuro high school students, and local American citizens.  Andrew Zvirzdin, the Embassy’s Political Officer, served as MC, leading several activities with the Embassy guests, including a …

On October 30, Ambassador Armbruster met with representatives from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to discuss their program in the Marshall Islands.   In support of the USG disaster response and reconstruction responsibilities under the compact, IOM maintains a small operational staff in Majuro to manage a warehouse of prepositioned emergency relief supplies and develop …

On October 22, 2012, Ambassador Armbruster and Embassy Majuro IMO/GSO/RSO Officer Fred Reichard visited the Department of Energy Medical Facility on Majuro Atoll.  Since the 1950s, the Department of Energy has had a presence in the Marshall Islands, attending to patients affected by a nuclear test conducted in 1954.  Originating from the atolls of Rongelap …

On October 25, 2012, U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Brian Sattler presented a Commander’s coin from Coast Guard Rear Admiral James Rendon, Director of the Joint Interagency Task Force West, to Jefferson Bobo, currently the only Marshallese graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.  Mr. Bobo now works for the government of the Republic of Marshall …

Ambassador Armbruster visited the Majuro Co-op School on October 23 and met with the 11th grade Current Events class.  As the two U.S. Presidential candidates prepared for their final debate on foreign policy, Ambassador Armbruster discussed the impact of Presidential visits overseas.  The Ambassador recounted visits by President Bush to Finland in 1989, President Clinton …

The Embassy’s Political/Economic officer met with Provan Crump, the Manager of the Marshall Islands Mariculture Farm (MIMF) on September 12 to discuss aquaculture in the RMI.  MIMF , a subsidiary of the U.S. company Oceans, Reefs and Aquariums (ORA), has developed a successful export industry selling Aquacultured giant clams and coral to aquarium enthusiasts in the …

October 15, 2012— The U.S. Embassy Majuro participated for the first time in the fourth annual Bob (Pandanus) Festival parade on Saturday, October 13, earning 2ndplace honors for its float entry.  Embassy staff joined RMI government dignitaries, NGOs, schools, and others at the old weather station to take part in the float parade, traditional Marshallese …

October 12, 2012—Last night the Marshall Islands Resort’s poolside area was lit up by an exciting and unique fashion show that celebrated Marshallese fashion through the ages.  The fashion show was the highlight of the farewell dinner closing-out this week’s Ministers of Tourism Conference that was held in Majuro, hosted by the Marshall Islands Visitors …

On August 31st at the Pacific Island Forum, Secretary Clinton announced that the US is seeking over $5 million to reduce the number of unexploded bombs, shells and other ordnance left over from World War Two.  The Secretary said it is a “crucial matter for security and prosperity.  Decaying ordnance leak chemicals that pollute water …

On September 27, 2012, the Sixth Annual Jaki ed Auction and Exhibition was held at the Marshall Islands Resort’s Melele Room.  Several embassy staff, including Ambassador Armbruster and Department of Interior representative Al Fowler, took part in the exciting auction.  Jaki ed are finely woven mats that Marshallese traditionally used as clothing.  This year, in large …

On September 28, 2012 the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands celebrated the Manit Day.  Manit Day is an annual holiday that commemorates Marshallese traditions and culture.  Activities include singing performances, sports games, weaving competitions, and traditional canoe races.  There are also food booths set up showcasing Marshallese and international cuisine.  This year, …

A U.S. Coast Guard Mobile Training Team conducted an intensive two-week Advanced Boarding Officer course on Majuro for Marshallese maritime law enforcement officers. During a closing ceremony at the RMI Sea Patrol Headquarters on September 27th, Ambassador Thomas Armbruster and RMI Acting President Tony deBrum presented certificates to the Marshallese graduates and thanked the Coast …

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – The Air Force will base a Space Fence radar site on Kwajalein Island in the Republic of the Marshall Islands with Initial Operations Capability (IOC) planned for fiscal year 2017. The Fence will provide a critical Space Surveillance Network capability needed to give warfighters the ability to maintain a …

NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) expert, Charles “Chip” Guard, visits the RMI this week to conduct a tropical cyclone, disaster preparedness and climate workshop with RMI officials.  Chip is a weather expert from the Weather Forecast Office on Guam, who has been studying Pacific weather patterns and helping Pacific Island governments prepare for rough weather …

The U.S. Coast Guard has located one missing mariner in the Republic of the Marshall Islands after earlier reports Saturday that a 15 foot vessel was overdue. The National Disaster Committee of the Marshall Islands contacted the U.S. Embassy on Saturday, September 15 to advise that a small boat with one person on board had …

Background The United States conducted 67 nuclear explosive tests in the Marshall Islands between 1946 and 1958.  In 1962, the United States halted atmospheric nuclear explosive tests, like those conducted in the Marshall Islands, and ended all nuclear explosive testing in 1992.  President Barack Obama announced in Prague in 2009 that the long-term goal of …

Ambassador Armbruster joined U.S. Army Captain Quinlan to welcome twelve new Marshallese recruits into the U.S. Army on September 11, 2012.  The new recruits were sworn into the U.S. military at a small ceremony at the RRE Hotel in Majuro attended by friends, family and Marshallese veterans of U.S. Armed Forces.  The induction ceremony occurred …

President Loeak Welcomes Ambassador: On September 6, Ambassador Armbruster presented his credentials to President Christopher Loeak in a brief ceremony with several Cabinet members in attendance.  President Loeak warmly welcomed the Ambassador and expressed his hope that the RMI would work closely with the Embassy to deal with critical issues facing the country.  The Ambassador …

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton attended the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Post Forum Dialogue in Raratonga, Cook Islands on August 31st, where she met with Pacific Island leaders, including RMI President Loeak.  Secretary Clinton’s attendance at the PIF was the first ever by a U.S. Secretary of State, and her participation highlights the United …

On Tuesday September 4, Ambassador Armbruster met with representatives from Gallaudet University who are in the Marshall Islands as part of a regular program to provide resources and assistance to deaf students.  The group includes Lisa Jacobs, the Director for Regional and National Outreach at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.; Judith Coryell, the Director of …