By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Adm. Samuel J. Paparo supports CNMI leaders’ request for an executive-level dialogue with the Trump administration on urgent economic issues facing the Commonwealth amid the ongoing military buildup and geopolitical tensions in the region.
Gov. David M. Apatang and Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds reached out to the U.S. Navy’s Indo-Pacific Command to express concerns about the CNMI’s economic challenges.
In his Feb. 25, 2026, letter, Paparo said he shares the leaders’ concerns regarding the potential impact on the Commonwealth’s stability and, by extension, its critical role in supporting the U.S. strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific. The admiral emphasized that the security and stability of the CNMI are of vital importance to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. He said the civilian infrastructure and the well-being of the community are inextricably linked to the Navy’s ability to operate effectively in the region.
Paparo said he has directed his staff to analyze the specific federal actions requested by CNMI leaders. He, however, noted that these actions fall outside his command authority, but he will convey their strategic importance to leadership within the Departments of State, Commerce, Transportation, and Homeland Security, among other federal partners, for further review.
“I support your request for an executive-level dialogue with the administration to bring attention to these urgent issues. My staff and I stand ready to participate in such a dialogue to ensure the strategic implications for national defense are fully understood and considered,” Paparo wrote.
“We are committed to the security and prosperity of the CNMI and value the strong partnership we have built over the years,” he added.
Asked for comment, Gov. Apatang said he was pleased Paparo received his letter and is taking action on the requests. He is preparing a response to the admiral’s letter.
The governor met Paparo during the Pacific Agenda: Investment, Security, and Shared Prosperity Summit in Hawaii last month, where the admiral was a panelist.
“I want to thank the admiral,” Apatang said. “We discussed many concerns, especially the economic situation in the Commonwealth. He committed to working with us.”
In his letter to Paparo, Apatang noted that the CNMI is not receiving enough revenue despite the military buildup already underway. He added that he and other officials meet quarterly with Indo-Pacific Command, but progress has been limited, and he wants to see more tangible economic benefits for the Commonwealth.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
