VCNO’s Hawaii Mission: Prioritizing Readiness and Empowering Warfighters

The U.S. Pacific Fleet, the world’s largest fleet, maintains a formidable presence with around 200 ships, 1,500 aircraft, and 150,000 personnel operating across an expansive 100 million square miles of territory.

During a recent visit, the fleet’s significance in deterring conflict and ensuring maritime freedom was highlighted by discussions between Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Kilby, and Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Steve Koehler.

Adm. Kilby emphasized the Pacific Fleet’s critical role amid growing tensions, noting China’s military ambitions for 2027. “It is crucial to stay poised to deter, defend, and, if necessary, overcome any provocative actions,” he stated.

Adm. Kilby also gained insight into fleet-level warfare operations at the Pacific Fleet’s Maritime Operations Center. The center is tasked with achieving proficiency in command operations, aligning with the Chief of Naval Operations’ vision for a prepared and effective navy.

In his discussions with Adm. Sam Paparo, the Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Kilby underscored the theater’s critical importance. It spans over half the world’s population, involving 380,000 U.S. troops, 38 nations, and several powerful military forces.

Adm. Kilby described the region as vital to global security and the economy, stressing the importance of military readiness and strategic partnerships during these pivotal times.

The Indo-Pacific Command’s area of responsibility, the most extensive of any geographic combatant command, is strategically significant with its boundaries adjoining five other commands.

Adm. Kilby also met with Rear Adm. Stephen Barnett to discuss the Navy’s ongoing efforts to close the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility and safeguard Hawaii’s environment. This includes technological upgrades like real-time project tracking through a mobile app and a newly launched podcast series titled “Let’s Talk Red Hill.”

During the visit, Kilby toured crucial infrastructure sites, including the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and other strategic facilities, stressing the importance of readiness and infrastructure investments to support the Fleet.

Adm. Kilby emphasized the need for consistent funding to maintain military momentum and improve service quality for Navy personnel. He advocated timely legislative actions to avoid budget impediments.

In conversations about NAVPLAN 2024, Adm. Kilby highlighted the plan’s focus on preparing for potential conflicts with China by 2027, through strategic initiatives and expanding naval capabilities.

At Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Kilby praised the shipyard’s role in national security. He inspected progress on Dry Dock 5, a vital infrastructure project set to support Virginia-class submarines with a service life of 150 years.

This marked Adm. Kilby’s inaugural visit to Hawaii as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, offering him firsthand insights into ongoing initiatives and strategic outcomes expected from the Pacific Fleet’s dedicated personnel and upgraded infrastructure.