On Friday, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero met with Admiral Samuel Paparo, who assumed command of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in May 2024. 

INDOPACOM is the military command responsible for defending a massive area of responsibility across the Pacific, stretching from the west coast of the United States to the shores of India and the Asian mainland.

“Guam is the homeland, and Admiral Paparo provided assurances that INDOPACOM has the resources available to provide security, stability, and protection to Guam and the region. His visit was timely, as Admiral Paparo was on Guam to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Guam’s Liberation from Japanese occupation,” said Leon Guerrero. 

“Admiral Paparo was firm in his commitment to applying the lessons the U.S. has learned from the past to ensure that INDOPACOM strives to protect Guam and the entire Pacific region,” she added.

Leon Guerrero and Lt. Governor Tenorio hosted a welcome dinner for the Admiral and his team at the Government House on Friday evening. 

On Sunday, Admiral Paparo joined the Governor and the Lt. Governor at the grandstand at the 80th Guam Liberation Day Parade. They were joined by Admiral Brent DeVore, Commander of Joint Region Marianas; Admiral Gregory Huffman, Commander of Joint Task Force Micronesia; and other military leaders.