SAN DIEGO - Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Vice Adm. Nora Tyson visited New Zealand, March 6-9.
During her trip, she met with Maritime Component Commander Commodore Jim Gilmour, attended briefs, toured installations, vessels, and training facilities, and participated in discussions on bilateral relationships to better understand the size, scope, challenges, and capabilities of the New Zealand Defence Force.
Tyson said the U.S. partnership with New Zealand plays a critical role in promoting regional stability and the free flow of trade and commerce travelling across the world’s oceans.
“We value our relationship with New Zealand and to actually be here to see firsthand some of their capabilities and to speak with military leadership in person is invaluable. At Third Fleet we are operating throughout the Pacific more regularly and we know that effective operations are underpinned by strong relationships in the region,” said Tyson.
Tyson also served as guest speaker at the Royal New Zealand Air Force Women’s Development Group, where she spoke about the importance of retention, diversity, and innovation.
“There is a direct correlation between diverse demographics and innovation. As technology, information systems, and science continue to evolve, so must we. The best way to do this is through diversity of thought, harnessing the ingenuity of our diverse talent base,” said Tyson. “Everyone has something to bring to the table. It is the sum of our differences, whether they be gender, age, race, education, religion, culture, or socioeconomic status that makes us a stronger, more innovative and agile force.”
Tyson also noted that New Zealand has participated in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) previously and has been invited to participate in RIMPAC again later this summer. RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime exercise and takes place in and around the Hawaiian Islands every two years.
U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.