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SUVA, Fiji (Sept. 15, 2022) Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visits and speaks with recruits and staff assigned to Republic of Fiji’s Force Training Group during a visit to Suva, Fiji. The visit to Fiji emphasized the U.S. commitment to strengthening partnerships for an enduring free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Bauer)

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SUVA, Fiji (Sept. 14, 2022) Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, delivers remarks to guests during a reception aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6). The visit to Fiji emphasized the U.S. commitment to strengthening partnerships for an enduring free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Bauer)

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SUVA, Fiji (Sept. 15, 2022) During a visit with Royal Fiji Navy Commander Commodore Humphrey Tawake, Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, inspects sailors assigned to Royal Fiji Navy Stanley Brown Base during a visit to Suva, Fiji. The visit to Fiji emphasized the U.S. commitment to strengthening partnerships for an enduring free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Bauer)

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SUVA, Fiji (Sept. 15, 2022) Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT), and Charge d’Affaires Tony Greubel, U.S. Embassy Suva, look upon as musicians from COMPACFLT and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Band perform during a concert in Suva, Fiji. The visit to Fiji emphasized the U.S. commitment to strengthening partnerships for an enduring free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Bauer)

Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander U.S. Pacific Fleet, traveled to Suva, Fiji, September 14-16, 2022 to deepen the relationship and strengthen the partnership between the Republic of Fiji and the United States.

The visit coincided with the littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) port visit to Suva. A reception was held on board to celebrate the naval cooperation, including partnership in the Oceania Maritime Security Initiative. Guests included the President of Fiji His Excellency Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, Speaker of Parliament the Honorable Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, the Minister of Fisheries the Honorable Semi Koroilavesau, and the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Defence National Security and Policing, Mr. Manasa Lesuma.

During his visit, Paparo also met separately with the senior Fijian officials, including:

• Permanent Secretary, Minister of Defence National Security and Police, Mr. Manasa Lesuma
• Republic of Fiji Navy Commander (also Deputy Commander of Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF)), Cdre. Humphrey Tawake

The leaders discussed broadening naval cooperation, especially in areas of maritime security, climate change and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Paparo toured the Stanley Brown Naval Base, Fiji Maritime Surveillance Center Rescue Coordination Center, and the Force Training Group, where he spoke to a class of new recruits.

Along with the U.S. Embassy Suva Charge d’Affaires Tony Greubel, Paparo also attended a joint performance of the Republic of Fiji Navy, RFMF band and Pacific Fleet bands.

Paparo expressed appreciation to his Fijian counterparts for our shared history and sacrifice, and continuing to expand bilateral and multilateral relations.

The visit to Fiji underscored the United States’ commitment to strengthening partnerships for an enduring free and open Indo-Pacific.