CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii - U.S. Indo-Pacific Command hosted the 2025 State Partnership Program Senior Leader Forum at its headquarters Sept. 15-19.
U.S. Air Force Major General Joel Carey, chief of staff for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, addressed state adjutant generals and senior enlisted leaders, emphasizing the importance of strengthening partnerships and outlining future strategic plans.
The National Guard Bureau manages the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program, a security cooperation initiative that states and territories execute in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The National Guard maintains 18 partnerships involving nine States and one territory within the region, with 11 Guard members serving as bilateral affairs officers in regional embassies.
This year marked the 25th anniversary of continuous engagement between the Philippines, Guam and Hawaii National Guard—the longest-running partnership in the Indo-Pacific region. This milestone highlights the enduring commitment to security cooperation, peaceful development and regional stability.
The program began in July 1993 and has expanded from its initial partnerships to encompass more than 100 countries worldwide. The State Partnership Program pairs U.S. National Guard elements with partner nations to build lasting relationships through a whole-of-society approach that advances security, interoperability and readiness.