Admiral Davidson meets PM Bainimarama

The 25th Commander of United States Indo Pacific Command, Admiral Phil Davidson met with the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama at Government Buildings in Suva.

Admiral Davidson was here on a four hour visit before leaving to visit other Pacific nations.

The Admiral met with Bainimarama and other senior government and military officials to discuss the important strategic partnership between Fiji and the United States and to identify new areas for cooperation.

[Photo: Fijian Government]

He was accorded a Guard of Honor and was also welcomed with a sevusevu ceremony at Queen Elizabeth Barracks earlier today.

Admiral Davidson had lunch with the Prime Minister and heads of our disciplined forces, before flying out of the country.

Before departing, Admiral Davidson said he looks forward to continuing to grow the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

He says he has had a very productive meeting today and he has also expressed America’s support for Fiji’s democracy and its upcoming elections.

Admiral Davidson says this year marks the 40th year of Fiji’s participation in peacekeeping operations around the world.

A delegation that came with Admiral Davidson has also confirmed that as an outcome of this meeting, there will be more education based scholarships available for the Fijian troops.

Admiral Davidson is the Commander of America’s oldest and largest military combatant command, based in Hawaii.

The United States Indo Pacific Command includes 380,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen and Department of Defense civilians and is responsible for all U.S. military activities in the Indo Pacific, covering 36 nations, 14 time zones, and more than 50% of the world’s population.

Prior to becoming the Commander on May 30th, 2018, Admiral Davidson served as the Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command/Naval Forces U.S. Northern Command.

He previously served as the Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, and the Commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, while simultaneously serving as the Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa.

He is a surface warfare officer who has deployed across the globe in frigates, destroyers, cruisers, and aircraft carriers. His earlier sea commands included Carrier Strike Group 8/Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, USS Gettysburg, and USS Taylor.