Governor Puaali’i seeking to address potential surface shipping delays

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On Monday, March 24, 2025, Governor Pulaali'i Nikolao Pula held a meeting with Colonel Sean McKenna, Director of Public Affairs for the Pacific Air Force (PACAF), at PACAF Headquarters, at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Air Force Base.

The purpose of the meeting was to fortify the partnership between the American Samoa Government and PACAF.

Key discussions revolved around a potential Department of Defense (DoD) request for military air logistics support.

This support, urgently needed to address potential surface shipping delays, will facilitate the transportation of construction materials for major projects funded under the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLRF) in compliance with the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

These projects must be completed, with all funds fully expended, by December 31, 2026.

Further discussions, which are of utmost importance, are scheduled to take place during the week of the American Samoa 125th Flag Day Celebration in April 2025.

Governor Pula and Lt. Governor Pulu will meet Brigadier General Matney, Mobilization Assistant to the Deputy Commander of Pacific Air Force, who will be attending the Flag Day festivities.

This proactive engagement reflects a steadfast commitment to building strategic alliances that contribute to the advancement and development of American Samoa.

The Pula and Pulu administration appreciates the ongoing and future collaboration with PACAF.