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Republic of Fiji hosts U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander and Littoral Combat Ship USS Jackson

15 September 2022

From Littoral Combat Squadron 1 Public Affairs

SUVA, Fiji - Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) Gold crew completed a successful port visit to Suva, Fiji, Sept. 15. Adm. Samuel Paparo, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visited the ship in Fiji and hosted a reception aboard Jackson for local civilian and military leaders.


“The reason for USS Jackson’s visit here is our bilateral relationship and partnership with Fiji that goes back many decades to World War II. For all of us, we are finally coming out of this terrible pandemic and it gives an opportunity for dear friends and equal partners to join together to ensure a free and open Indo Pacific,” said Paparo.

Fiji Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau welcomed Jackson’s visit, saying it helps towards strengthening maritime security and bilateral relations between Fiji and the United States.

Cmdr. Michael Winslow, Jackson Gold Commanding Officer, welcomed aboard the distinguished guests, including the President of the Republic of Fiji Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.

“We are extremely happy to be here in Fiji, and I thank everyone in the city of Suva for the warm welcome. I am reminded of the importance of relationships that we maintain and the teamwork it takes to accomplish missions at all levels,” said Winslow.

In addition to hosting a reception, the Jackson Gold crew participated in local community engagement activities while in port. Sailors volunteered at a local retirement home, where they conducted beautification and gardening projects, and played a soccer game with Republic of Fiji Navy Sailors.

Jackson is underway supporting Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI), a Secretary of Defense initiative that improves maritime security and maritime domain awareness by enabling U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement personnel to conduct maritime law enforcement operations from U.S. Navy assets to enforce the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Convention and suppress illicit activities.

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.
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)
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.
220915-N-ER806-2185
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)
Photo By: MC2 Nicholas Bauer
VIRIN: 220915-N-ER806-2185


LCS are fast, agile, mission-focused platforms designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS are capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.

Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 comprises four amphibious squadrons, 11 amphibious warships, and eight naval support elements including approximately 18,000 active-duty and reserve Sailors and Marines. As Deputy Commander for Amphibious and Littoral Warfare, U.S. 3rd Fleet, Commander, ESG 3 also oversees the 14 littoral combat ships under Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 1 and Mine Countermeasures Group 3. ESG 3 is postured in support of U.S. 3rd Fleet as a globally responsive and scalable naval command element, capable of generating, deploying, and employing naval forces and formations for crisis and contingency response, forward presence, and major combat operations focusing on amphibious operations, humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) and support to defense civil authorities (DSCA), and expeditionary logistics.

For more news from Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/comlcsron1/ or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/COMLCSRONONE/.

  
 

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