READOUT: Pacific Fleet commander’s travel to Samoa, October 30-31, 2025

05 November 2025

From From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, traveled to Apia, Samoa alongside Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, Oct. 30-31, 2025 to participate in Pacific Partnership 2025, the Indo-Pacific region’s largest annual multinational humanitarian and civic assistance mission which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises

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U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander poses for photo with school children

From center left to center right, Muliagatele Masae Tupou, principal of the Magiagi Primary School, Gina Koehler, Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Daniel Tarapacki, charge d’affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Samoa, pose for a photo with students and faculty of the Magiagi Primary School in Apia, Samoa, during a tour of Pacific Partnership 2025 projects Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

While in Samoa, Koehler met with senior Samoan and U.S. officials to discuss maritime security challenges in the region, including:

Honorable Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo, acting prime minister and deputy prime minister of Samoa
Honorable Anarosa Ale Molioo Mulipola, minister of finance
Mr. Daniel Tarapacki, charge d’affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Samoa

Musician 2nd Class Marshall Wacker, U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, performs at a night market with the Pacific Partnership 2025 band in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Navy Musician greets Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, thanks Musician 3rd Class Damien Chambers, U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, for his performance with the Pacific Partnership 2025 band in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Christopher Aric Sypert)

Sailors assigned to the Pacific Partnership 2025 band perform at a night market in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander and his wife greet Navy Musicians

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center right, and his wife, Gina Koehler, foreground, greet Sailors prior to a Pacific Partnership 2025 band performance in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander greets Navy Musicians

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center left, greets Musician 1st Class Jonah David, U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, right, prior to a Pacific Partnership 2025 band performance in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander poses for group photo

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center right, U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, and Daniel Tarapacki, charge d’affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Samoa, center left, pose for a photo with Embassy staff during the Pacific Partnership 2025 closing ceremony in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, and U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, second from right, pose for a photo with U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP25) during the PP25 closing ceremony, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center right, and Lt. David Sanad, commanding officer of the French Navy’s FNS Auguste Bénébig, center, pose for a photo with members of the ship’s crew during the Pacific Partnership 2025 closing ceremony, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander delivers remarks

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, delivers remarks during the Pacific Partnership 2025 closing ceremony aboard the French Navy’s oversea patrol vessel Auguste Bénébig, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center left, delivers remarks during the Pacific Partnership 2025 closing ceremony aboard the French Navy’s oversea patrol vessel Auguste Bénébig, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, delivers remarks during the Pacific Partnership 2025 closing ceremony aboard the French Navy’s oversea patrol vessel Auguste Bénébig, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander speaks to Samoa Deputy Prime Minister

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, speaks to Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo, deputy prime minister of Samoa, during the Pacific Partnership 2025 closing ceremony aboard the French Navy’s oversea patrol vessel Auguste Bénébig, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander speaks to French Naval Officer

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, is greeted by Lt. David Sanad, commanding officer of the French Navy’s FNS Auguste Bénébig, during the Pacific Partnership 2025 closing ceremony in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

The United States will continue to build on its historic and cultural links with the Pacific Island Countries (PIC) in order to address major security challenges, including:

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing
Narcotics and human trafficking
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR)
Helping develop the capability and capacity to mitigate disease and pandemics.

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander boards ship

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, is piped aboard the French Navy’s oversea patrol vessel Auguste Bénébig, during the Pacific Partnership 2025 closing ceremony in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander speaks to Sailors

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center right, and U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, right, thank Sailors assigned to Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 4 for their work in support of Pacific Partnership 2025 at the Faleolo District Hospital, during a tour of Pacific Partnership 2025 projects, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander presents award to Sailor

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, Construction Electrician 1st Class Jorge Hernandez, assigned to Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 4, center, and U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, pose for a photo during a pinning ceremony at the Faleolo District Hospital, during a tour of Pacific Partnership 2025 projects, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, Utilityman 3rd Class Jayden Grilz, assigned to Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 4, center, and U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, pose for a photo during a frocking ceremony at the Faleolo District Hospital, during a tour of Pacific Partnership 2025 projects, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Chief Steelworker Shianne Chlupacek, assigned to Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 4, right, reads a frocking letter during a frocking ceremony at the Faleolo District Hospital, during a tour of Pacific Partnership 2025 projects, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, frocks Utilityman 3rd Class Jayden Grilz, assigned to Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 4, during a frocking ceremony at the Faleolo District Hospital, during a tour of Pacific Partnership 2025 projects, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander speaks to Sailor

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, receives a tour of completed construction projects from Steelworker 2nd Class Dylan Thorn, assigned to Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 4, at the Faleolo District Hospital, during a tour of Pacific Partnership 2025 projects, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander poses for photo with embassy staff

From left to right; Daniel Tarapacki, charge d’affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Samoa, Gina Koehler, Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Dr. Robert Thomsen, director general of health of Samoa, Dr. Valeri Sinei, and members of Dr. Thomsen’s staff, pose for a photo at the Faleolo District Hospital, during a tour of Pacific Partnership 2025 projects, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief speaks to Sailors

U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, center, thanks Sailors assigned to Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 4 for their work in support of Pacific Partnership 2025 at the Faleolo District Hospital, during a tour of Pacific Partnership 2025 projects, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored the U.S. commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander speaks to embassy staff

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, and his wife, Gina Koehler, center right, receive an overview of hospital capabilities from Dr. Valerie Sinei, left, at the Faleolo District Hospital, during a tour of Pacific Partnership 2025 projects, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander speaks to Samoan medical staff

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, and his wife, Gina Koehler, center, receive an overview of hospital operations from Dr. Robert Thomsen, director general of health for Samoa, at the Faleolo District Hospital, during a tour of Pacific Partnership 2025 projects, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander's Wife speaks to Sailors

Gina Koehler, wife of Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, speaks with Sailors participating in Pacific Partnership 2025 in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored the U.S. commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

While in Samoa, Koehler and Davis engaged with the Pacific Partnership 2025 team, embarked aboard the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS John L. Canley (ESB 6), which was in country to complete key mission activities. Activities included repairs to local water and sanitation systems and construction projects conducted by Sailors assigned to Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 4 at Magiagi Primary School and the Faleolo District Hospital. The Pacific Partnership team also completed a disaster risk management exercise conducted with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, and Samoa Police. Outreach activities featured concerts by the Pacific Partnership Band, community health fairs, and school visits.

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander meets with Ambassadors

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, meets with Ambassadors from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France, and Japan, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander meets with Pacific Partnership staff

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, receives a brief from Capt. Mark Stefanik, mission commander, Pacific Partnership 2025, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 30, 2025. Koehler’s visit to this Pacific Partnership mission stop underscored the U.S. commitment to working with partners to foster relationships, strengthen regional stability, and increase natural and humanitarian disaster readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander meets with embassy staff

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, third from left, receives a brief from Cmdr. Paul Rogers, U.S. Embassy New Zealand Naval Attaché, right, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 30, 2025. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, thanks Sailors assigned to Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 4 for their work in support of Pacific Partnership 2025 during a tour of Pacific Partnership 2025 projects, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander tours Seabee projects

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, his wife, Gina Koehler, right, receive a brief of ongoing construction projects Magiagi Primary School from Lt. Jeffrey Moore, assigned to Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 4, during a tour of Pacific Partnership 2025 projects, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander meets Samoan school children and staff

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center right, speaks to students and faculty of the Magiagi Primary School in Apia, Samoa, during a tour of Pacific Partnership 2025 projects Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander poses for photo with Samoan Deputy Prime Minister

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center left, meets with Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo, deputy prime minister of Samoa, left, Daniel Tarapacki, charge d’affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Samoa, center right, and Donald Alderman, political and economics chief, U.S. Embassy in Samoa, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 30, 2025. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander tours Seabee construction projects

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, his wife, Gina Koehler, center, and U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, center right, receive a brief of ongoing construction projects Magiagi Primary School from Lt. Jeffrey Moore, assigned to Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 4, during a tour of Pacific Partnership 2025 projects, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 31, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific which fosters relationships, strengthens regional stability, and increases readiness to respond to crises. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, receives a brief from Daniel Tarapacki, charge d’affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Samoa, in Apia, Samoa, Oct. 30, 2025. The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Koehler also gave remarks at the closing ceremony alongside senior Samoan officials aboard the French Navy’s oversea patrol vessel Auguste Bénébig. He highlighted the importance of the Pacific Partnership mission in strengthening relationships and cooperation to enhance the ability of nations to respond in times of crisis.

The visit to Samoa underscored Koehler’s commitment to the Pacific Islands in addressing our shared maritime challenges to promote a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.