Secretary of the Navy Travels to Hawaii; Oversees Navy Closure Task Force Transfer of Authority Ceremony

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HONOLULU - Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro underscored the Navy's commitment to Hawaii's environment, people, and small business community during a visit March 27-28, to oversee the transfer of authority for the closure of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.

Secretary Del Toro's first stop on Oahu was to Loko ia Pāaiau fishpond, an ancient Hawaiian fishpond located at McGrew Point Navy housing area near Pearl Harbor.

An important aspect of Native Hawaiian culture, fishponds were a highly effective and distinct form of aquaculture. They played a significant role in the religious, social, and political traditions of local Hawaiian communities.

Over the years, many of Hawaii's traditional fishponds have been damaged or destroyed, and the Loko ia Pāaiau is one of only three in the Pearl Harbor area still relatively intact. For the last 10 years, the Navy has been working with a number of organizations in the local community to restore the fishpond and historic site.

"I'm grateful to have the chance to visit Loko ia Pāaiau fishpond today and learn from the Native Hawaiian kupuna of this community," said Secretary Del Toro. "It is an honor to see the progress of this historic preservation and restoration following President Biden's 2022 Memorandum on incorporating indigenous knowledge into federal agency planning."

On Thursday, the Secretary began his day by visiting the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council. He and the councilmembers discussed the substantial value of Navy contracts awarded to Hawaii-owned businesses, small business opportunities, and the strategic partnership between the State of Hawaii and the Department of the Navy.

"Our Department is committed to engaging and working with our Hawaiian and small business community," said Secretary Del Toro. "Our future success depends on strong partnerships with innovative and agile businesses, and we are committed to providing opportunities for Hawaiian businesses as part of our endeavors."

After his meeting at the Military Affairs Council, the Secretary traveled to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to speak with Sailors from various commands, including an all-hands call with Sailors who work on the Navy Closure Task Force.

"All of you here have proven your dedication to working collaboratively with local officials and community leaders - it is a testament to the strong relationship between the Navy and the people of Hawaii," said Secretary Del Toro. "Each and every one of you is critical to our success, and I want to emphasize again how proud I am of you, both for the work you've done, and the work you will do here in the near future."

The day ended with the transfer of authority from Joint Task Force-Red Hill to Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill onboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor. The Secretary spoke and witnessed Rear. Adm. Steve Barnett assume authority for the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.

"Today, we are marking the Transfer of Authority of Red Hill, but, more importantly, we are pledging our continued, collective, commitment because there is still much work to be done," said Secretary Del Toro. "We recognize the deep ties that bind us to this beautiful land and its people, and we will continue building back the trust that is essential to us moving forward together."

Since its establishment in November 2023 by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill has been in lock-step with Joint Task Force-Red Hill, conducting community events, developing safety and security procedures, addressing environmental issues, and ensuring a seamless transfer of knowledge and application of JTF-RH best practices and lessons learned to Red Hill closure operations.

The mission of the NCTF-RH is to safely and expeditiously execute the permanent decommissioning of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, and continue long-term environmental remediation and aquifer restoration efforts in coordination with State and Federal stakeholders in order to protect public health and the environment.

For more information about NCTF-RH, visit www.navyclosuretaskforce.navy.mil.