Golden West Humanitarian Foundation in the Marshall Islands
The Golden West Humanitarian Foundation (GWHF) has played a pivotal role in addressing the lingering dangers of World War II – era unexploded ordnance (UXO) across the Pacific, with a focused and impactful presence in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. These remote atolls were battlegrounds during the war and remain littered with explosive remnants of war that pose daily risks to local communities and hinder development.
Origins and Strategic Partnerships
Golden West’s operations in the Marshall Islands began with a survey of Mili and Maloelap atolls in March 2013, initiated and supported by funding from the United States (U.S. Department of State PM/WRA). The Foundation partners with the Marshallese Historic Preservation Office and other local authorities to identify, survey, and clear UXO from key areas—all with funding support from the United States. This collaboration reflects a broader U.S. commitment to Pacific friends and partners, combining technical expertise with enhanced diplomatic relationships.
Targeted Clearance Operations
Golden West’s initial efforts focused on the heavily impacted Marshallese atolls of Mili, Maloelap and Wotje. Already home to pre-existing abandoned Japanese munitions stocks, these sites were subjected to intense aerial bombardment during World War II, leaving behind a dangerous legacy of explosive remnants of war. Despite substantial logistical challenges—including remote locations, limited infrastructure, and COVID-19 lockdowns – Golden West successfully eliminated tons of UXO threats from these islands.
The Foundation also conducted surveys on Jaluit, Mili, and atolls, laying the groundwork for on-going clearance operations. These surveys are critical for locating contamination and ensuring clearance efforts are both safe and efficient.
Humanitarian Impact
The presence of UXO in the Marshall Islands affects nearly every aspect of daily life. Farmers risk triggering buried ordnance while cultivating land, children stumble upon dangerous remnants while playing, and communities are restricted from expanding into contaminated areas. Golden West’s work directly improves public safety, enabling population growth, agricultural development, and infrastructure expansion.
For example, the safe removal of UXO from Wotje and Maloelap has allowed residents to reclaim land that was previously off-limits, supporting both housing and farming initiatives. These efforts not only reduce physical danger but also restore dignity and opportunity to communities already challenged by climate change and long burdened by the remnants of war.
Capacity Building and Local Engagement
Golden West’s approach goes beyond clearance, it emphasizes sustainability by providing skills to recognize UXO hazards and safely report them for follow ups. By training local personnel in Explosive Ordnance Risk Education, the Foundation ensures that Marshallese communities can safely identify, mark and report UXO.
Local engagement is central to Golden West’s philosophy. Partners like Wilbert Alik, Director of the Marshallese Historic Preservation Office, have become key figures in the clearance process, blending technical awareness with cultural knowledge and protecting heritage sites while enhancing public safety. In July 2025, supported by the U.S. Department of State, Golden West began UXO survey and surface clearance operations on Jaluit Atoll.
Looking Ahead
Golden West’s work in the Marshall Islands is part of our broader regional strategy. In 2024, with funding from the United States, the Foundation launched a four-year program with the Federated States of Micronesia, and in July 2025 began collaborating with Pohnpei State officials to eliminate surface ERW across selected areas. These initiatives reflect our long-term commitment to supporting Pacific security and development.
As Golden West continues its mission, the Marshall Islands represents an example of how expertise merges with technology to solve UXO problems. Through use of focused EOD technology like mobile cutting systems and binary explosives, local partnerships, and unwavering dedication, Golden West is transforming former war zones into safer, thriving communities—one atoll at a time.