Washington DC [US], March 24 (ANI): US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth departed on Sunday (local time) for his first Indo-Pacific tour in his current role, with stops in Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, and Japan.
Hegseth emphasized that the Indo-Pacific is a priority theater for the US.
In a post on X, he said, “Wheels up from Washington DC–out to the US Indo-Pacific Command AO for the first time as Secretary of Defense. The Indo-Pacific is our priority theater, and we’re strengthening our deterrence, readiness, and alliances. We will lead with strength, resolve, and purpose.”
As per a statement by the US Department of Defense, Hegseth will meet senior US military and civilian leadership and participate in a series of bilateral meetings during his visit. These engagements aim to strengthen alliances and partnerships toward a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
As part of his first official visit to the region, Hegseth will first travel to Hawaii to meet with civilian and military leaders from the US Indo-Pacific Command. From there, he will visit Guam, where he is expected to tour military facilities and receive capability briefings.
Next, Hegseth will travel to the Philippines, where he will discuss security objectives with Philippine leaders and meet with US and Philippine forces.
In Japan, he will participate in a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima and will later meet with Japanese leaders and US military forces. The Secretary also looks forward to engaging in physical training (PT) sessions with the troops.
Hegseth’s trip comes as the United States builds on unprecedented cooperation with like-minded countries to strengthen regional security.
Earlier, Hegseth met with Department of Government Efficiency Head Elon Musk at the Pentagon.
“Amazing visit with Elon Musk at the Pentagon today. He is a patriot, and I look forward to continuing our work together. With Elon and DOGE, we are ensuring our Military continues to be the greatest fighting force the world has ever known,” Hegseth stated. (ANI)
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