“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.

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/.