INDOPACOM Commander Paparo on AUKUS: “In Every Regard, in Pillar I, We’re on Track”

April 22, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC – Today, in a House Armed Services Committee hearing, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, asked U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo (USN) for an update on the progression of the AUKUS security agreement. “We could be ready today to operate a rotational submarine squadron out of Australia tomorrow,” ADM Paparo said. “In every regard in Pillar I, we're on track. We're making strides in Pillar II among these nontraditional systems here. And to have a rotational base in the Indian Ocean is absolutely essential.” ### Issues : Defense & National Security Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee