US, French and Pacific leaders bolster ties at MARARA 26

TAHITI, French Polynesia — Senior military leaders from France, the United States and other Pacific partners gathered June 16 for a distinguished visitor day during Exercise MARARA 26, a French-led multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster response drill.

Rear Adm. Guillaume Pinget, commander of the French Armed Forces in French Polynesia, hosted Rear Adm. Suzanne Bailey, deputy commander of U.S. 3rd Fleet, Maj. Gen. Lance Okamura, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific–Homeland Affairs, and other flag officers across the Pacific, including representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard and Japanese Defense Force.

The visit offered an opportunity to observe the exercise and engage with participating forces and partner nations. The program opened with a tour of the Joint Force Headquarters, where exercise planners and leaders coordinated multinational response efforts. Briefings covered the exercise scenario, the command and control structure, and collaborative processes used to synchronize operations among participating nations.

FAPF then hosted a static display featuring equipment, technology, medical capabilities, and operational systems used during the exercise, underscoring the collective readiness and interoperability of partner forces working to strengthen regional disaster response capabilities across the Pacific.

During the event, Okamura presented U.S. Army Pacific commander’s coins to Soldiers from the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade, recognizing their contributions to the exercise and commitment to strengthening multinational partnerships.

The day concluded with an office call and gift exchange between Pinget and Okamura, emphasizing the longstanding partnership between the United States and France and their shared commitment to security, stability, and disaster response readiness in the Pacific.

Exercise MARARA 26 is a French-led multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster response exercise designed to improve interoperability, strengthen partnerships, and enhance regional readiness among participating nations.