American Samoa (April 22, 2025) – The Navy brought Sailors, the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet Band, and message of service and partnership to American Samoa as part of its first Navy Week in American Samoa, April 14–19.
Hosted in collaboration with local government, schools, and community organizations, American Samoa Navy Week 2025 aimed to strengthen the Navy's relationship with the people of American Samoa.
“Navy Week is about building connections," said Rear Adm. Richard W. Meyer, deputy commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet. “It’s about strengthening the bonds between our Navy and the communities we serve.”
The weeklong schedule included musical performances by the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet Band, school visits, cultural exchanges, community relations projects, and a variety of volunteer events. Highlights included a visit to the Boys and Girls Club of American Samoa, community service with local veterans, and a scholarship presentation to recognize student excellence.
Sailors also participated in the island’s Flag Day celebration on April 17, a cornerstone of Samoan heritage and pride, with a Navy marching unit joining the parade at Fagatogo Malae.
Governor of American Samoa Pulaalii Nikolao Pula welcomed the Sailors in attendance and thanked them for their attendance in the Flag Day festivities and highlighted the Navy’s commitment to American Samoa.
Other events included a fautasi long boat race, featuring mixed Navy and local crews, guided hikes with the National Park of American Samoa, and leadership engagements with local officials and educators.
“I was most excited for all the outreach events and programs planned. I was thrilled to extend my hand and help the people in American Samoa,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Baelin King, a native of American Samoa, stationed at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. “I looked forward to connecting with younger generations and hopefully inspiring them to pursue a similar path as mine, or choose a path built around the service of others.”
Navy Weeks are the Navy’s signature outreach effort, organized by the Navy Office of Community Outreach. They bring the Navy to areas that do not have a significant Navy presence and give the public a chance to meet the men and women who serve.
Sailors who participated in Navy Week included those with personal ties to the island, giving the event an especially meaningful tone.
“It was always a blessing to be back home no matter what, but it was even better coming back as part of Navy Week,” said Navy Counselor 1st Class Faanofoilefagaoalii Alesana, a native of American Samoa and hometown recruiter. “Having Sailors from both American Samoa and other parts of the country come together and work on community relations with our local people was fulfilling.”
American Samoa Navy Week proved to be a unique blend of culture, service, and shared pride, as well as a chance for the Navy to give back to a community that has given so much in return.
“This unique opportunity gave our American Samoan people the chance to share a little bit of our Fa’a-Samoa, or way of life, and allowed Sailors to learn and teach/share with us their experiences too,” said Alesana.
Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Pacific is one of 26 NTAGs across the country charged with identifying and recruiting the next generation of Sailors for America's Navy. Headquartered in El Segundo, California, NTAG Pacific covers a vast area including, Los Angeles County, Ventura County, parts of the central valley, Japan, Hawaii, Guam, and American Samoa. NTAG Pacific is committed to finding talented individuals who are ready to serve and lead. NTAG Pacific works to educate the public about the diverse career opportunities and benefits available through service in the Navy.
For more information, visit www.navy.com/start.
| Date Taken: | 04.21.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.29.2025 09:45 |
| Story ID: | 495980 |
| Location: | AS |
| Web Views: | 65 |
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