Solomon Islands and U.S. sign MOU to support WWII POW/MIA recovery and repatriation efforts
The U.S. Embassy Honiara is honored to announce the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and the Government of Solomon Islands signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 3, 2026, that formalizes the recovery and repatriation of remains of U.S. personnel.
The MOU will facilitate continued collaboration between the two governments to advance DPAA’s critical mission of identifying U.S. personnel missing from World War II in Solomon Islands.
Most recently, U.S. Embassy Honiara hosted a repatriation ceremony in September 2025 for ten U.S. Marines who heroically fought and died near Mount Austen.
“The long-standing partnership we have with the Solomon Islands government and people is a testament to the values and commitment placed on this humanitarian mission,” said DPAA Director Kelly McKeague. “Americans, and particularly the families of those still missing here, are grateful for their steadfast cooperation.”
“The United States and Solomon Islands have enjoyed nearly 50 years of diplomatic relations based on a partnership forged during World War II. Our shared values go beyond sovereignty, democracy, and the rule of law to include returning our lost to their families and home communities,” said Chargé d’Affaires Dan O’Hara. “We thank Prime Minister Wale, the government–especially the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the National Museum–and all Solomon Islanders for helping bring home those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to secure a free and open Pacific. These shared experiences and values serve as a foundation for future partnerships that benefit the people of our nations.”
“The Solomon Islands Government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT), acknowledges the signing of this MOU as an important milestone that further strengthens and cements the longstanding partnership built over many years between Solomon Islands and DPAA in facilitating the safe and respectful recovery and repatriation of the remains of those missing in action from World War II. This demonstrates the shared commitment between Solomon Islanders and Americans to continue working together to preserve history, respect cultural protocols, and support humanitarian efforts associated with recovery missions,” said MCT Permanent Secretary Bunyan Sivoro.
More than 29,000 Americans fought alongside Solomon Islanders during the Guadalcanal Campaign from 1942 to 1943, and more than 5,000 U.S. service members remain unaccounted for today. The shared sacrifices of Solomon Islanders and Americans during World War II laid a robust foundation for an enduring bilateral relationship.
DPAA strives to give families of the missing solace and answers by providing information about their loved ones’ service and their ultimate sacrifice. DPAA is determined to do all that is possible to find and identify these unaccounted-for Americans.
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