200722-M-FP804-1456 U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Zachery Bigus, with Task Force Koa Moana (TF KM) 20, I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), conducts COVID-19 testing alongside the Palauan Ministry of Health aboard the fast transport ship USNS City of Bismarck (EPF 9) at the port of Malakal, Republic of Palau, July 22, 2020.
Marines and Sailors with I Marine Expeditionary Force, Task Force Koa Moana 20, are conducting engagements in the Republic of Palau in August through of 2020. Koa Moana, meaning “ocean warrior,” is designed to strengthen and enhance relationships between the U.S. and partner nations/states in the Indo-Pacific region, improve interoperability with local security establishments, and serve as a Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team afloat in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s strategic and operational objectives. TF KM20 provides a unique opportunity to enhance relationships in the Republic of Palau. The Koa Moana task force has taken extensive measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The health and safety of U.S. service members and Palauan citizens participating in TF KM20 is an enduring priority. Prior to deploying, all exercise members participated in a three-week quarantine. After arriving in Palau, the Marines and Sailors quarantined for an additional 14 days. To date, all members deployed as part of TF KM20 tested negative for COVID-19. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1stLt Oscar R. Castro). Original public domain image from Flickr