Admiral Samuel Paparo recently took command of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (Indopacom), with a mission to address the growing challenges in the region. During his inauguration ceremony in Hawaii, he condemned China’s intrusive and expansionist claims in the Indo-Pacific as “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive”, redefining the South China Sea as a “grey” zone.
Paparo emphasized that Russia, North Korea, and violent extremist organizations also pose threats in the region. He stated that the military will aim for peaceful resolutions of conflicts but will be prepared to fight any adversary that threatens peace, security, and stability in the region. The outgoing commander, John Aquilino, expressed confidence in Paparo’s leadership, stating that he could now rest peacefully knowing “Pappy is at the controls.”
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that China is the only nation with the capability to dominate the Indo-Pacific and is engaging in increasingly coercive behavior. Paparo has been pushing for the development of a force of small drones that could be used to repel a potential Chinese invasion force from Taiwan.
Born in Morton, Pennsylvania, Paparo comes from a military background, with his father being a former enlisted Marine and his grandfather a sailor who fought in World War II. A graduate of Villanova University, he has extensive military education and experience, including being a Top Gun graduate and flying thousands of hours in various aircraft.
Admiral Paparo has faced criticism for his appointment due to his Italian-American descent and concerns about diversity within the Navy leadership. However, many have praised his leadership skills and ability to navigate complex geopolitical issues facing
