Lt. Gen. Anthony G. Crutchfield, U.S. Pacific Command Deputy Commander and Rear Adm. Anne Cullerre, Joint Commander of the Armed Forces in French Polynesia met at U.S. Pacific Command headquarters to sign a Terms of Reference agreement July 2.

A Terms of Reference agreement is an initial agreement between U.S. Pacific Command and the Armed Forces in French Polynesia that establishes annual bilateral staff talks at the senior level to facilitate military-to-military activities as well as play a vital role promoting stability in the Asia-Pacific.
 
"Today's signature on the Terms of Reference is a positive sign in the USPACOM and French Armed Forces in the Pacific relationship going forward," said Rear Adm. Cullerre, representing French Armed Forces in New Caledonia.  France has about 2,500 personnel in the Pacific located in Papeete, French Polynesia and in Noumea, New Caledonia.
 
"Our shared strategic vision for the security of the Asia-Pacific region allows for close cooperation in areas such as: Information sharing, training and exercises, disaster management and humanitarian assistance, and regional engagements" said Lt. Gen. Anthony G. Crutchfield.

In recent years, the French Armed Forces have participated in the U.S. Navy’s annual Pacific Partnership to strengthen alliances, disaster response and conduct humanitarian relief to the Asia-Pacific nations.