Admiral Paparo says CNMI stability is vital to Indo-Pacific strategic posture, pledges to carry community’s requests to federal departments
SAIPAN — The commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has told CNMI leaders that the Commonwealth’s economic crisis is a matter of national security, pledging to convey their requests for federal action to the Departments of State, Commerce, Transportation and Homeland Security.
Admiral Samuel John Paparo wrote to CNMI leaders in a letter dated February 25, saying he had reviewed their assessment of the economic challenges facing the Commonwealth and shared their concerns about its potential impact on regional stability.
“The security and stability of the CNMI are of vital strategic importance to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command,” Paparo wrote. “The civilian infrastructure and the well-being of the community are inextricably linked to our ability to operate effectively and project power in this critical region.”
Paparo acknowledged that the specific federal actions CNMI leaders had requested fall outside his command authority, but said he had directed his staff to analyze them and would carry the strategic case to relevant federal partners.
“I will convey the strategic importance of these issues to leadership within the Departments of State, Commerce, Transportation, Homeland Security, among other federal partners, for their further review,” he wrote.
The admiral also expressed support for an executive-level dialogue between CNMI leaders and the Administration, saying his staff stood ready to participate to ensure the national defense implications were fully understood.
“My staff and I stand ready to participate in such a dialogue to ensure the strategic implications for national defense are fully understood and considered,” Paparo wrote.
The letter was a response to a joint communication from multiple CNMI leaders outlining the urgency of the Commonwealth’s economic situation. The contents of the original letter were not immediately available.
Paparo closed by reaffirming the command’s commitment to the CNMI. “We are committed to the security and prosperity of the CNMI and value the strong partnership we have built over the years,” he wrote.
The letter was dated February 25 but was received by the congresswoman’s office today.
