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Home : Media : Speeches / Testimony

# Military Affairs Council Partnership Conference 

By ADM Phil DavidsonU.S. Indo-Pacific Command

ADM Phil DavidsonCommander, U.S. Indo-Pacific CommandMilitary Affairs Council Partnership Conference Lunch Historic Washington Place **Honolulu, Hawaii**

09 Januy, 2020

As Prepared for Delivered  

 

Good afternoon and Aloha! Thank you, Governor Ige, for your remarks. As always, it is great to see you.Quite frequently, you and I share the stage and microphone at public events, and this highlights the importance of the civil-military relationship here in the Great State of Hawaii.The collaboration and cooperation between the senior leaders of Hawaii and the military helps us advance our mutual interests and priorities in order to benefit both the State of Hawaii and USINDOPACOM.This annual conference is yet another way to help open the lines of communication between us. Our constant engagement absolutely makes a difference in supporting the people we serve.Today’s panels and discussions represent exactly the type of engaged dialogue necessary to generate greater awareness and understanding of the challenges we face together.Certainly, we have our work cut out for us, but I remain optimistic, and I am confident that together...we will succeed.I always walk away from MAC events feeling a sense of accomplishment and pride because I know we are moving in the right direction, with talented and compassionate leaders at the helm.Hawaii’s strategic significance is critically important to our efforts to support a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. In terms of U.S. national security, Hawaii is indeed the heart of the Indo-Pacific.

My Local Government & Community Engagement team coordinates with Service components, DoD agencies, all levels of government, and community organizations to understand and address the concerns regarding U.S. military presence in Hawaii.My team at USINDOPACOM has an incredible respect for the Land, People, and Culture of Hawaii.As patrons of this beautiful and unique area, we are committed to protecting and preserving the State’s land, water, and other natural resources.We take the responsibility that comes with our stewardship of these historic and sacred lands very seriously.The facilities and training areas in Hawaii are invaluable to the readiness and posture of our Joint Force in the Indo-Pacific.We have an obligation to the State and its – our – people to preserve and protect these lands, now and in the future.The U.S. military is committed to protecting sites of environmental, historical, and cultural importance on all of its training lands in Hawaii. We dedicate millions of dollars annually to support these efforts while ensuring world-class training.The U.S. military invests heavily in the State’s economy through employment opportunities, construction, and consumer spending – these contributions to Hawaii’s economy are second only to tourism.The people of Hawaii and the U.S. military share an enduring bond that spans many generations. We are committed to building strong, resilient communities that will endure for many generations to come.

My headquarters and component commands, all located here in Hawaii, have a strong desire to support the State’s political, business, and community leaders. We are here to serve you.Hawaii’s legacy of service and perseverance in both times of conflict and peace demonstrates its people’s fortitude, unity, and allegiance to the State and the Nation.I remind people all of the time that Oahu is home to over 100,000 U.S. military personnel and veterans. With a population of nearly a million people, that means one out of every ten have served in our military, and we are all honored to call Hawaii home.I have lived in a number of military hubs around the world, and I can honestly say that the relationship between the host State of Hawaii and the U.S. military is absolutely one of the best in the world.

This relationship is vital to the future of our national security, and we are committed to overcoming all challenges together.May God bless all the men and women of the Armed Forces, the Great State Hawaii, and, may God bless the United States of America.Thank you.

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