Paparo met with senior Peruvian officials to demonstrate the importance of our bilateral defense relationship, exchange views on regional security challenges, and increase our cooperation and integration between our two navies.
Peruvian officials included:
- Mr. Alberto Cabrera, Director General for International Relations
- Gen. Manuel Gómez de la Torre, Chief of the Peruvian Armed Forces Joint Command
- Adm. Alberto Alcalá, Commander-in-Chief of the Navy
- Vice Adm. Luis Polar, Commander of Pacific Operations
- Rear Adm. Jorge Portocarrero, Secretary of the General Command of the Peruvian Navy
- Rear Adm. Kurt Bottger, Director of the Naval Academy
- Rear Adm. Percy Perez, Chief of Staff for Pacific Operations
- Capt. Roberto Vargas, BAP Union commanding officer
During the visit to Callao Naval Base, Paparo toured the Peruvian Navy tall ship BAP Union (BEV-161) and Marine Industrial Services (SIMA) shipyard. He then embarked a patrol boat to the Naval Academy, where he spoke with midshipmen about the principles of leadership, solidarity of the sea services, and the changing nature of warfare at sea.
At the Peruvian Navy Headquarters, Paparo presented the Legion of Merit Award to Alcalá for exceptionally meritorious service. His efforts increased interoperability and the long-term partnership between the United States Navy and the Peruvian Navy through multiple engagements, exercises, and exchange programs. The two navies routinely conduct bilateral and multilateral exercises, including RIMPAC, PANAMAX, UNITAS, Silent Forces Exercise (SIFOREX), and Solidarity Exercise (SOLIDAREX).
Paparo extended appreciation to Peru for its commitment to the Diesel Electric Submarine Initiative (DESI) program.
As Pacific nations, the countries share a nearly 200 year relationship and friendship. The visit to Peru underscored the United States’ commitment to strengthening alliances and partnerships for an enduring free and open Indo-Pacific.