The Nevada National Guard met with Samoan authorities to share expertise and resources to better prepare Samoa for natural disasters, with a particular focus on the upcoming Disaster Response Exercise scheduled for 2027.  

Senior officer, Major General D. Rodger Waters, recently visited Samoa as part of a five-day diplomatic and collaborative mission.

During his visit, he met with Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt to strengthen partnerships aimed at enhancing disaster response capabilities in Samoa and the broader Pacific region.

This visit is conducted under the auspices of the National Guard State Partnership Program, which seeks to foster international cooperation in emergency preparedness, law enforcement, health, and education.

Major General Waters emphasised the importance of longstanding friendships between the United States and Samoa, highlighting mutual interests in regional security and prosperity.

According a statement by the United States Embassy, key discussions focused on ongoing collaboration with various Samoan agencies, including the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services, and the Samoa Disaster Management Office.

The statement said that during the meeting with the Prime Minister, a special recognition was given by Major General Waters to Sergeant First Class Romeo Tulifau Tiumalu, Coordinator for the Nevada State Partnership Program (SPP) in Samoa, Fiji and Tonga, for his hard work to create successful disaster readiness and emergency services training opportunities in Samoa and the Pacific.

“ SFC Tiumalu received an honorary NVNG challenge coin as a token of appreciation for his dedicated work with the Samoa Partnership Program and the broader Samoa community. SFC Tiumalu was born and raised in American Samoa and has worked with the Hawaii and Nevada National Guard programs since 2008,” said the US Embassy.

“His relationships in Samoa bridged cultural boundaries and enabled successful cooperative programs between the US and Samoa, promoting peace and security in the Pacific.  

“The Nevada State Partnership Program’s activities in Samoa exemplify the broader effort to provide professional training and disaster preparedness support globally.”

Major General Waters reaffirmed the Nevada National Guard’s commitment to assisting communities both domestically and internationally, emphasizing their role in responding to crises and supporting peace and stability worldwide.