Suva, Fiji. (May 8, 2025): Despite being a tiny island in the South Pacific, Fiji has played an outsized role in America’s defeat of the Japanese during World War II. In this photo by Seaman Alajia Williams, U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Kadeeja Howard and Fijian Navy Ordinary Seaman Nadidi Taginaselala participate in a beautification project during a port visit by the USS Blue Ridge.

During World War II, Fiji served as a staging and training base and to relieve New Zealand troops. The island was a crucial point along the shipping route from the US to South Pacific bases, particularly Australia. American forces operated airfields and seaplane bases that were used to interdict the Japanese Navy thereby preventing them from isolating the Aussies from their American allies. Thanks to the Fijians, the Japanese were unsuccessful in their efforts to cut off supply routes in the South Pacific.

Today, Fiji is a close ally and friend of the United States. We have common goals like battling climate change, ensuring regional security, and creating sustainable economic growth. The U.S. established diplomatic relations with Fiji in 1971 following its independence from the United Kingdom. In 2019, Fiji signed an expanded maritime law enforcement agreement with the United States to deploy the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy air assets to help Fiji protect its fishing industry and to combat the trafficking of illicit narcotics.

Since the second world war, Fiji has remained a close ally of the U.S. based upon mutual cooperation and friendship.