Pacific Partnership Looks to Future In Talks with Tongan Chief
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS110418-16
4/18/2011
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class R. David Valdez, Pacific Partnership 2011 Public Affairs
VAVA'U, Tonga (NNS) -- Commander, Destroyer Squadron 23 discussed the impact of the American presence in Tonga and the future of Pacific Partnership with the Honorable Chief Fotu, Chief of Estate in Vava'u, April 17.
As the commander of DESRON 23, Capt. Jess Wilson also serves as the mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2011.
"It's important to develop a clear understanding of how our hosts in Tonga, and the other host nations for this year's iteration of Pacific Partnership, perceive the actions of the partner nations, not just in terms of what we are doing with the people, but how we engage in humanitarian assistance," Wilson said. "Engaging local leaders, like the Honorable Chief Fotu, give us an opportunity to be more responsive in meeting their interests."
Wilson engaged Fotu with a few questions about his initial experiences with Americans during World War II. Fotu replied in Tongan, allowing the Rev. Paula Latu to translate for him.
"When the Americans came to Tonga, I was only eight years old," said Fotu. "That was the first time I'd ever seen an airplane. Everything changed from that time. The Americans came to Tonga to protect us and provide us with security. Even as children, we were taught to emulate the Americans. I remember carrying a big stick like a rifle, so I could help to protect my family like the Americans were protecting Tonga."
Fotu also explained that he was pleased to see that the U.S. is dedicated to the principle of diversity because his grandson and heir wants to become an officer in the U.S. military.
"The name of America is security," he said. "The American people are the best people in the world because they come here to protect us with their lives.
During the engagement, a local church group shared a Palm Sunday feast with the people of Pacific Partnership. They loaded a table with roasted pigs, chickens, fish, octopus, candy, fruit, chips and drinks. Wilson said a few words of thanks to the people who provided the banquet-style presentation of food and welcome.
Wilson asked what Fotu would like to see for future Pacific Partnership missions coming to Tonga. Fotu explained that the sense of community among Tongans doesn't stop at the shores of Tonga.
"As Tongans, when we see other Tongans come back to help serve our people and our island, it is a blessing," he said.
At the opening ceremony for the Tongan phase of Pacific Partnership, Wilson and other representatives of the partner nations were treated to a demonstration of Tongan music and dancing at a local high school.
During the demonstration, Fotu took the opportunity to say a few words to the students. When Wilson asked what his message was to the children, as the speech was delivered in Tongan, he was told that Fotu had told the students to view the American presence as motivation.
"Our presentation was not entertainment," Fotu began. "We wanted to show you how we live. My words to the children were meant to inspire them to take the American presence in Tonga as motivation for their education because education is the foundation of the future."
Near the end of the visit, Fotu spoke of the Americans' generousity.
"The Americans are not just coming to provide help to Tonga, but they are providing aid to the world," he said.
Following the interview, Wilson presented Fotu a Pacific Partnership 2011 coin for his grandson and a plaque as tokens of appreciation.
Pacific Partnership is a five-month humanitarian assistance initiative that will make port visits to Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and the Federated States of Micronesia, following the current mission in Tonga.
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