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American Samoa Government - PR002-05142026
Posted: May 14, 2026
American Samoa Delegation Advances Strategic Energy and Digital Roadmap at INDO-PACOM
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CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii — An executive American Samoa Government (ASG) delegation, led by ASTCA CEO Folasaitu Sorepa Thomas, concluded a pivotal mission to INDO-PACOM Headquarters this past Tuesday. In meetings with Major General Christopher K. Faurot and senior interagency staff, the group secured commitments to a comprehensive roadmap focused on energy independence, digital resilience, and diplomatic advocacy, under the vision of Governor Pulaali'i Nikolao Pula and Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. The delegation, which included ODAPM Director Lologa Olo and ASG Hawaii Office Director Musuai Pauulu, focused on aligning territorial infrastructure and human capital with federal national security assets.
"INDO-PACOM serves as the American Samoa Government's essential link to Department of War (DOW) assets when projects are strategically planned and executed with swiftness," said Thomas. "This partnership ensures our modernization is aligned with both national security and regional stability." A key outcome of the dialogue was the reinforcement of INDO-PACOM’s role as the primary advocate for the territory to the Department of State, ensuring American Samoa’s unique strategic needs are prioritized in broader Pacific diplomacy. This includes a firm stance on American Samoa’s role in the Pacific Islands Forum; the delegation asserted that, regardless of its status as a U.S. Territory, American Samoa must be allowed to voice concerns on issues affecting the region. Following the Governor’s instructions, Thomas has requested meetings with the President of the East-West Center and the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) to ensure the territory’s youth are afforded greater opportunities to participate in the prestigious programs offered by these institutions.
The delegation also provided an update on the ongoing initiatives between American Samoa and the Independent State of Samoa. These bilateral efforts remain a high priority for the administration, with a focus on shared regional goals such as economic integration, cultural preservation, and the synchronization of emergency management protocols. Strengthening the "Atoa o Samoa" partnership is seen as vital for maintaining regional stability and ensuring a unified voice for the Samoan people within the broader Pacific landscape.
The partnership with INDO-PACOM will extend into technical workforce development, as the J6 (Command, Control, Communications, and Cyber) will facilitate specialized cybersecurity training for ASTCA employees to harden the territory’s digital networks. Additionally, the delegation championed local STEM initiatives, specifically targeting the expansion of the Tafuna High School JROTC robotics and drone program to a national level. This effort is designed to afford local students the opportunity to enter U.S. Army programs as specialized engineers, creating a direct pipeline between territorial education and federal career pathways.
Energy sovereignty remained a critical briefing point, specifically the revitalization of a 1970s-era plan for a small-scale oil refinery (NEPA Case No. 70-001). To facilitate ongoing interagency dialogue, the ASG will submit the original 1970 NEPA report to INDO-PACOM for technical review. Director Lologa Olo outlined that local refining would provide immediate economic relief by reducing import costs and ensuring supply chain security. Complementing the refinery initiative, INDO-PACOM officials presented several renewable energy concepts tailored for the territory’s geography, which the ASG will evaluate as part of a diversified and sustainable energy portfolio. These efforts are being paired with a digital push, including progress on the Le Vasa Google Cable and a request for federal assistance with ASEDA Bond debt to stabilize the territory’s finances.
Looking ahead, an ASTCA delegation is slated to travel to Kwajalein Atoll in July for a site visit to the Google subsea cable project, led by the U.S. Army, to provide firsthand technical insight into the engineering required for the Pacific Connect initiative. While certain details remain sensitive due to national security concerns, the meeting concluded with a commitment to provide INDO-PACOM with additional technical data to ensure American Samoa remains a resilient and self-sufficient leader in the Pacific region.
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