HONOLULU, Hawaii – Adm. Harry Harris, U.S. Pacific Command commander, spoke to government officials, private sector representatives and military leaders about Hawaii’s importance in the future of the Indo-Asia-Pacific during the annual Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting and Partnership Conference at Washington Place here, Jan. 15.

During his remarks Harris recognized the MAC and state leaders for their support in communicating how joint military forces in Hawaii support the national security strategy and ongoing rebalance initiative.

“Due to the outstanding communications conducted by Governor Ige, Mayor Caldwell, Senator Schatz and Hirono, Representatives Gabbard and Takai, and all of our local state officials, decision makers in Washington and throughout the region are well aware that Hawaii remains the “Gateway to America’s rebalance to the Indo-Asia-Pacific,” Harris said.

Hawaii serves as a gateway to the rebalance by utilizing its assets in operations throughout the region and the defense of the homeland. Harris said that there is no doubt that the United States economic future is firmly tied to the Indo-Asia-Pacific and that everyone at every level must work together to strengthen civil and military relationships with each other and with other nations in the region.

Harris then explained the state’s role in supporting the rebalance, stating that Hawaii is the only place in the world where all component commanders are geographically co-located together, allowing forces to train and operate jointly and benefit from a face-to-face relationship, an advantage made largely possible because of the support from the state.

“This gives us an extraordinary advantage and it wouldn’t be possible without the continued dedication and support from Hawaii’s community, civic and industry leadership,” Harris said. “In addition to our forces in Hawaii, the presence and capabilities we are bringing forward into this theater are commensurate with the challenges that we face.”

The support has influenced the strengthening of partnerships such as the Philippine Supreme Court’s decision that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) is consistent with their constitution, strengthening security ties between the Philippines and the United States.

“The agreement will facilitate the enhanced rotational presence of the U.S. military in the region, and support the long-term modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Harris said. “This will enable the United States and the Philippines to continue supporting the international rules-based order that has served the region so well.”

Despite successes within the Indo-Asia-Pacific, Harris emphasized that security and stability which the region has enjoyed can’t be taken for granted and that Hawaii’s role to the rebalance will continue to support PACOM’s commitment to the security and safety of the nation’s allies as possible threats in the region emerge.

“Security challenges such as North Korea threaten to destabilize the region and reverse the trends of transparency and prosperity that we’ve all enjoyed,” Harris said. “America is rebalancing to the Indo-Asia-Pacific to meet those challenges and reinforce the international rules-based order that has benefited the region for more than 70 years and Hawaii plays a critical role.”

At the end of his remarks, Harris thanked the MAC for their continued support.

“Thank you for everything you do in support of our men and women in uniform and helping to ensure that we remain ready to fight tonight and win,” Harris said. “May God bless our veterans, this great state and this beautiful city and may God bless our nation.”