United States Defense Attaché/Security Assistance Office

United States Defense Attaché/Security Assistance Office Suva coordinates Suva's Mission Performance Plan with the Pacific Command's Theater Engagement Plan for the Republic of Fiji, the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru, Tuvalu and the Kingdom of Tonga. Engagement activities with Fiji were suspended in mid-2000 due to the undemocratic change of government. Activities with the Kingdom of Tonga consist primarily of ship visits, and medical, dental and engineering humanitarian assistance programs as well as military exercises with the Kingdom's defense forces. The office also administers Security Assistance programs to the Kingdom of Tonga, which provide funding for professional military development of selected officers and non-commissioned officers and attendance at USG hosted seminars and conferences.

The overarching intent of the defense programs is to enhance both the interoperability and capability of regional military forces with an emphasis on peacekeeping and maritime operations.

The Defense Attaché is also designated as the Commander in Chief Pacific's, Representative to New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Wallis and Futuna. In this capacity the office coordinates ship and aircraft visits to these territories.