U.S. Defense Attaché Office (USDAO) Suva coordinates defense engagement and security cooperation activities in the Southwest Pacific, specifically the countries of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Nauru, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. USDAO Suva works on behalf of the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) , and the U.S. Ambassadors in Suva and Port Moresby to administer a variety of defense and security sector programs. USDAO Suva’s intent is to improve the capacity of Pacific Island Countries’ military, police, and government officials to respond to domestic and regional emergencies and disasters, deploy to peacekeeping and contingency operations, secure the maritime domain, and safeguard their citizens. Key programs supported by USDAO Suva include:
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Providing education and training opportunities for government officials at U.S. defense courses, the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS), and regional conferences.
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Providing military equipment through sales and grants.
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Partnering with Pacific Island countries on medical, humanitarian assistance, and peacekeeping exercises.
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Coordinating aircraft overflights and landings, ship visits and transits, and official visits.
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Recovering U.S. personnel remains from the Second World War.
- Coordinating U.S. Coast Guard port inspections, fisheries enforcement training, and search and rescue operations.