DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory -- Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander U.S. Pacific Fleet, traveled to Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), Dec. 8-9, 2022, to review capabilities and facilities and engage with personnel at the strategic outpost.

Royal Navy Cmdr. Colvin Osborn, Commander British Forces of BIOT, and U.S. Navy Capt. John Wilson, Commanding Officer of NSF Diego Garcia Installation, co-hosted a leadership roundtable to discuss U.K.-U.S. joint capabilities, operations, and installation support to permanent and temporarily assigned personnel. The espirit de corps and partnership between Royal Navy, Royal Marines and U.S. forces in Diego Garcia, reflected the strong, longstanding alliance and friendship between the United Kingdom and the United States.

Paparo toured the installation including housing and dining facilities, logistics depots, airfields, and piers, where he received briefs from U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, Seabees, and other Navy personnel.

He commended the leadership for their support to visiting aircraft, ships and submarines, including recent visit by the ballistic missile submarine USS West Virginia (SSBN 73).

During an all hands call, Paparo addressed questions and concerns from U.S. and U.K. military, civilian, and foreign contract personnel on issues ranging from incentives for pay, leave, and travel to the critical role of NSF Diego Garcia to supporting operational forces deployed to the Indian Ocean.

The visit underscored the strategic importance of Diego Garcia to an enduring free and open Indo-Pacific by enabling presence, assured access, and defense to the global commons.