Bridging the Distance: SAME’s 2025 Indo-Pacific Regional Summit Strengthens Critical Partnerships

The 2025 Indo-Pacific Regional Summit in Honolulu, Hawaii, brought together military leaders and industry partners for high level strategic discussions on the future of the Indo-Pacific region.

On September 8-10, SAME welcomed over 1,200 participants to the Indo-Pacific Regional Summit (IPRS) in Honolulu, Hawaii. Representing industry firms of all sizes, numerous military/federal agencies throughout the region, and multiple international U.S. allies, this event epitomized what is possible through committed industry-government engagement.

The summit marks the culmination of a year-long focus on Indo-Pacific engagements within the Society and presented an unparalleled opportunity for businesses and agencies to connect, build relationships, and forge partnerships that support U.S. interests in the region.

SAME National President Mike Huffstetler, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, F.SAME, opened the conference at the general session Tuesday morning, with a keynote address presented by the Hon. Josh Green, M.D., Governor of Hawaii. Another session that day featured senior engineering leaders presenting on the operations, activities, and investments that drive Indo-Pacific strategy across the theater. Brig. Gen. Joseph Goetz, USA, Commander, USACE Pacific Ocean Division; Rear Adm. Omarr Tobias, P.E., CEC, USN, Commander, NAVFAC Pacific & U.S. Pacific Fleet Civil Engineer; and Brig. Gen. Michael Zuhlsdorf, USAF, Director of Logistics, Engineering, & Force Protection, U.S. Pacific Air Forces, highlighted the need for collaboration with industry partners to tackle the formidable mission of Indo-Pacific project delivery.

“We rely on the ingenuity and innovation of our A/E/C partners as we continue to bridge the distance together,” Tobias said.

Goetz summed up the importance of partnership, which illustrates the need for forums like IPRS, and directly aligns with the core objective of the Society. “Our mission is clear—we build deterrence in the Indo-Pacific so that it remains free and open,” he said. “We do this by strengthening relationships, improving infrastructure, and working shoulder to shoulder with our allies, partners, and industry leaders. These forums allow us to align our vision and build networks of trust. It’s how we ensure a strong, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific for the future.”

On the second day of the forum, attendees heard from more senior engineering leadership from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard on the topic of engineering activities in the Indo-Pacific and how the services operate and integrate in order to maintain a shared view of the theater and the critical facilities and infrastructure projects. Further opportunities for education, networking, and collaboration abounded.

The SAME Indo-Pacific Regional Summit was instrumental in working to shape solutions to the many challenges facing the Indo-Pacific. SAME is committed to supporting forums where military professionals and industry experts can collaborate on regional security and strengthen partnerships. Read more about SAME’s industry-government engagement efforts here.