The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka has announced the visit of Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), to Colombo from March 19-21, 2025. During his stay, Admiral Paparo will meet with senior officials and military leaders of Sri Lanka to reinforce the longstanding security partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka. The visit aims to discuss regional stability and security within the Indo-Pacific region.
Admiral Paparo's career includes a notable history of service and leadership within the U.S. Navy. He hails from Morton, Pennsylvania, and is an alumnus of Villanova University, commissioned in 1987. His academic background includes a Master of Arts in International Studies from Old Dominion University and a Master of Science in Systems Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School.
A seasoned naval aviator, Admiral Paparo is a TOPGUN graduate with over 6,000 flight hours in various aircraft including the F-14, F-15, and F/A-18. His operational command tours have taken him across different regions and include assignments with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 in Japan, Carrier Air Wing 7 aboard Dwight D. Eisenhower Strike Group, and Carrier Strike Group Ten.
On land, he commanded a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan alongside Army units. His experience extends to joint operations as Battle Director at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
Shore assignments for Admiral Paparo have included roles on staff at Naval Air Forces Command as well as serving as commanding officer of VFA-106. He has also held positions such as executive assistant to senior naval commanders and Director of Operations at U.S. Central Command.
Most recently before his current role, he was Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet until April 2024 before assuming duties at INDOPACOM in May 2024 as its 27th commander. USINDOPACOM oversees all U.S. military activities across a vast region covering 36 nations.
The visit by Admiral Paparo highlights ongoing efforts by the United States to enhance cooperation with Sri Lanka amidst shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific area.