On May 3, 2024, President Wesley W. Simina, led a delegation to Hawaii, where Admiral Samuel J. Paparo assumed command of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command from Admiral John C. Aquilino.

At the ceremony, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III presided over the event with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., several heads of state, US officials and other foreign dignitaries in attendance. Both Secretary Austin and General Brown delivered their remarks by conveying gratitude and appreciation to Admiral Aquilino for everything he has done during his 40 years of military service, as well as the support of allies and partners for advancing the shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

As commander of the INDOPACOM, Admiral John C. Aquilino was charged with leading more than 300,000 US military service members and DOD civilians, and maintained responsibility for all U.S. military activities in the Indo-Pacific, covering 30 nations and more than 50 percent of the world’s population. 

In his remarks, Admiral Aquilino expressed gratitude and appreciation to all military service members and civilians for defending and maintaining stability and security throughout the INDO-Pacific region. He also acknowledged the important role allies and partners have played in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific during his tenure as Commander of the INDOPACOM.

In his responding remarks, Admiral Paparo reflected on the important role of INDOPACOM in regional peace and security and reaffirmed his commitment to the region and to strengthening relationships with our allies and partners. Admiral Paparo takes charge as the 27th Commander of INDOPACOM, following his command of US Pacific Fleet, from 2021 to 2024. 

Following the Change of Command Ceremony, President Simina, President Whipps and Foreign Minister Kaneko briefly met with Secretary of Defense Austin III.