After 40 years of service, Admiral John Aquilino retired from the U.S. Navy.

Admiral Samuel Paparo assumed command of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command from Aquilino in a ceremony at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Aquilino, who assumed command in 2021, thanked Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and CNMI Gov. Arnold Palacios, who was in the audience, for their partnership.

Adm. Aquilino said, “The Governors from the territories, Gov. Guerrero from Guam. It is good to see you, my friend. You are a patriot and I am indebted to you for my entire life. Thank you for your service. Governor Palacios and his wife Wella from the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, thank you, sir, for being here today.”

Aquilino led more than 380,000 service members across 38 nations. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin commented on the critical post that Adm. Paparo now assumes.

“Together with our unmatched network of allies and partners, you are advancing our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Austin.

Paparo previously commanded the U.S. Pacific fleet and is a U.S. Naval Aviator and Top Gun graduate.

Adm. Paparo added, “We will be ready to fight any adversary that threatens the peace, security, stability, and well-being of the nation and of our allies and partners.”

Leaders from Palau, FSM, and Marshall Islands also participated in the ceremony.