Posted on September 15, 2025
HONOLULU— Brig. Gen. Joseph “Clete” Goetz, II, commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pacific Ocean Division (POD) joined senior military leaders, allied government officials, and industry partners this week at the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Indo-Pacific Summit in Honolulu to discuss the future of regional security and infrastructure development.
Among the event’s most anticipated sessions was “View From the Top: Indo-Pacific Theater Execution,” featuring Goetz; Brig. Gen. Mike Zuhlsdorf, director of logistics, engineering and force protection at Headquarters Pacific Air Forces; and Rear Admiral Omarr E. Tobias, commander of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Pacific at U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Goetz offered a candid and comprehensive perspective on how operations, investments, and partnerships are shaping the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy.
“Our mission is clear — we build deterrence in the Indo-Pacific so that it remains free and open,” Goetz said. “We do this by strengthening relationships, improving infrastructure, and working shoulder to shoulder with our allies, partners, and industry leaders.”
Goetz emphasized that deterrence is not just about military readiness but also about investments in infrastructure and resilient communities. He described POD’s significant commitment to military construction projects, noting the recapitalization of large facilities such as barracks. These efforts, he explained, are essential to supporting troops, sustaining operations, and projecting stability across the theater.
Beyond military construction, Goetz highlighted the role of the four districts in the region – Alaska, Honolulu, Japan, and Korea. Their programs not only contribute to U.S. military readiness but also enhance infrastructure resilience, mitigate weather impacts, and support local communities.
He pointed to the recent work at Honolulu Harbor, the principal port and commercial center of Hawai‘i, as a key example. Honolulu Harbor is the state’s economic lifeline — a hub for tourism, cargo, and cruises that supports nearly all the state’s commerce. It also serves as a vital link in Pacific trade, ensuring goods and resources flow efficiently across the region. By modernizing and maintaining this critical harbor, the Corps helps safeguard the state’s economy and sustain the movement of people and goods that connect Hawai‘i to the broader Indo-Pacific.
Goetz also emphasized the Corps’ critical role in disaster recovery. Over the last two years, USACE supported FEMA with $1.3 billion in recovery efforts for the Maui Wildfires. This work included the removal of debris from approximately 1,500 homes and 140 businesses, the construction of temporary housing, and the establishment of a temporary school.
Importantly, more than half of these funds went to Native Hawaiian-owned small businesses, reflecting a commitment not only to recovery but also to local empowerment and cultural respect.
Goetz also spoke about the broader opportunities and challenges that come with operating in the Indo-Pacific. Logistics across vast distances and the pace of technological change pose ongoing hurdles.
He concluded by emphasizing the value of gatherings like the SAME Indo-Pacific Summit, which bring together public- and private-sector expertise to address shared challenges.
“These forums allow us to align our vision and build networks of trust,” Goetz noted. “It’s how we ensure a strong, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific for the future.”
Pacific Ocean Division Deputy Commander Col. Chris Crary and Programs Director Peter Ridilla join military leaders, government officials and industry partners at the Society of American Military Engineers Indo-Pacific Summit in Honolulu, Sept. 9, 2025. The event focused on regional security and infrastructure development. (Photo Credit: Nahaku McFadden)
Honolulu District Commander Lt. Col. Adrian Biggerstaff and senior civilian Jennifer Moore take part in the Society of American Military Engineers Indo-Pacific Summit in Honolulu, Sept. 9, 2025. The summit brought together senior leaders to address regional security and infrastructure resilience. (Photo Credit: Nahaku McFadden)
Honolulu District Commander Lt. Col. Adrian Biggerstaff and senior civilian Jennifer Moore attend the Society of American Military Engineers Indo-Pacific Summit in Honolulu, Sept. 9, 2025. Leaders discussed regional security, military construction and infrastructure resilience across the Indo-Pacific. (Photo Credit: Nahaku McFadden)
