Suva, Fiji – Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, visited Suva from September 14 – 16 to strengthen the U.S.-Fiji relationship and enhance security and development cooperation. During his trip, he met with senior leaders and counterparts to discuss how the United States and Fiji can work together to address shared challenges and objectives in the region.
“The visit to Fiji emphasizes the United States’ commitment to deepening relationships and strengthening partnerships with our neighbors and friends in the Pacific,” said Admiral Paparo. “As in our history of share partnership and sacrifice, we will address current and future challenges together especially in the areas of maritime security, climate change and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.”
While in Suva, Admiral Paparo conducted meetings with the Fiji Navy and the Ministry of Defense and attended a naval security training exercise. His visit is part of ongoing engagements to strengthen the U.S.-Fiji partnership and advance a free and open Indo-Pacific. Admiral Paparo will travel onward to Tonga on September 16.
Head of the Suva Mission and Chargé d’affaires Tony Greubel said, “Admiral Paparo’s visit reiterates the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting the independence and security of Pacific nations. It is also a further step in the robust and growing commitment of the U.S -Pacific relationship.”
Admiral Paparo’s visit follows the United States Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro who visited Fiji on June 15-16 to promote security, stability, and prosperity in the Pacific. These high-level in-person exchanges continue the legacy of U.S. cooperation partnering with the Pacific since World War II.
The U.S. Pacific Fleet is the world’s largest fleet command with an area of responsibility that encompasses 100 million square miles and works with allies and partners to advance Indo-Pacific maritime security.
As Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Admiral Paparo is responsible for over 200 ships and submarines, 1,200 aircraft, and more than 130,000 sailors and civilians. He assumed command of the fleet on May 5, 2021