On July 20, 2024, Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited Saipan and Tinian in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). During his visit, he engaged with senior government officials and U.S. service members, reinforcing the United States’ unwavering commitment to homeland defense and honoring the shared history in the Pacific region.
The CNMI, an integral part of the U.S. homeland, enjoys comprehensive legal and defense protections under U.S. jurisdiction. Home to more than 47,329 U.S. citizens, this strategically significant region plays a crucial role in the United States’ Pacific strategy.
Adm. Paparo’s discussions with local leaders, including Saipan Governor Arnold I. Placios, Lieutenant Governor David M. Apata, and Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, focused on land conservation, potential future military investments, and adaptations to the evolving security landscape. These meetings underscored the importance of continuous collaboration between the U.S. military and local authorities to address mutual concerns and opportunities.
Accompanying Adm. Paparo were Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, commander of Joint Task Force – Micronesia, Rear Adm. Brent DeVore, commander of Joint Region Marianas, and Fleet Master Chief David Isom, USINDOPACOM’s senior enlisted leader. Their presence highlighted the significance of personal relationships and the enduring commitments to the CNMI residents.
During his visit to Tinian, Adm. Paparo interacted with Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) Five and airmen from the U.S. Air Force’s 513th Expeditionary Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron (RED HORSE). These units are engaged in critical construction and engineering projects under the Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training missions. These efforts not only enhance military readiness but also deliver essential services to local communities, demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between military preparedness and community support.
The visit held particular personal significance for Adm. Paparo, as his paternal grandfather served as a Navy Seabee in the 59th Naval Construction Battalion during Operation Forager, a pivotal campaign in June-July 1944 to liberate Saipan, Tinian, and Guam. This operation saw over 59,000 joint service members deployed to the CNMI, with approximately 3,000 making the ultimate sacrifice to secure a decisive strategic victory in the Pacific theater.
USINDOPACOM’s primary mission is the protection and defense of U.S. territories, its people, and its interests. In collaboration with allies and partners, USINDOPACOM is dedicated to promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific region through security cooperation, peaceful development initiatives, contingency response, deterrence of aggression, and, when necessary, combat operations to secure victory. This multifaceted approach is grounded in partnership, persistent presence, and military readiness.
The interactions during Adm. Paparo’s visit underscored the continued commitment of the U.S. to its territories and highlighted the strategic importance of the CNMI in broader defense and security frameworks. By focusing on both historical ties and future opportunities, the visit aimed to strengthen the bonds between the U.S. military and the local communities, ensuring that the region remains secure and prosperous.
Adm. Paparo’s engagements with the local leaders and service members serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of U.S. commitment to the Pacific and its people. The visit not only honored the sacrifices made during World War II but also looked ahead to future collaborations and investments that will bolster the region’s security and development.
In conclusion, the visit to Saipan and Tinian by Adm. Paparo and his delegation was a significant event, reaffirming the United States’ dedication to homeland defense and its enduring presence in the Pacific. The discussions and interactions during the visit highlighted the importance of continued cooperation and investment in the region, ensuring that the CNMI remains a vital and secure part of the U.S. homeland.
