CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii -- U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, concluded the 12th annual Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium with a closing ceremony at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 18, 2026.
Allied and partnered littoral leaders invested in upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific attended this year’s symposium and participated in key leader engagements, panel discussions, and briefs throughout the week.
“We dedicate this forum to forging a more cohesive, interoperable network of capable and influential leaders committed to unified action. The free and open Indo-Pacific relies on a sustained security environment that we all are committed to, by operating in synergy, by harnessing our collective will, and remaining vigilant in upholding our sovereignty.” Lt. Gen. James Glynn, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific
Some key topics discussed throughout the symposium included littoral maneuver in competition and crisis, logistics for all-domain operations in contested environments, and maritime enforcement to uphold sovereignty and international law. Delegates also examined the integration of autonomous systems and strategies to counter their use, the role of shared values in strengthening regional partnerships, and the continued relevance of amphibious warfighting in modern operational contexts. In addition to these discussion topics, participants explored best practices for integrating joint and combined forces in training and real-world operations, as well as modernization initiatives and emerging technologies that enhance interoperability and mission effectiveness.
The PALS motto, “Stronger together” serves as a reminder that regular collaboration among allies and partners is the foundation of our ability to respond to crises, compete in uncertainty, and win in conflict.
Command Senior Enlisted Leaders
Photo by Lance Cpl. Jose Villasenor
Senior enlisted leaders from across the Indo-Pacific pose for a group photo following the Command Senior Enlisted Leaders Program during the Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium 2026 in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 16, 2026. Bringing together experts and leaders from across the Indo-Pacific, PALS fosters collaboration among allied and partner amphibious and maritime forces to share knowledge and recent operational insights. This year marked the 12th iteration of the symposium, hosting senior leaders from 25 participating nations committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific, with the objective of strengthening and developing regional relationships. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jose Villasenor)
Established by MARFORPAC in 2015, PALS continues serving as the premier annual gathering of regional amphibious and maritime force leaders across the Indo-Pacific. The relationships strengthened at PALS are the cornerstone of a free and open Indo-Pacific for all nations. This year’s symposium hosted delegations from 25 countries including: Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific is the largest operational command in the Marine Corps. Pacific Marines serve as an expeditionary force-in-readiness, and they operate as air-ground-logistics teams and are forward positioned and actively employed throughout the Indo-Pacific every day.