FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — U.S. Army Pacific Commanding General Gen. Ronald Clark rendered honors to Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Gen. Masayoshi Arai and Republic of Korea Army Chief of Staff Gen. Gyuha Kim during a ceremony at historic Palm Circle, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, on May 15, 2026.
The ceremony followed the Land Forces Pacific (LANPAC) Symposium and Exposition 2026, where leaders from across the Indo-Pacific gathered under the theme "Prevailing through Transformation: Adapting, Innovating, and Modernizing Land Forces in the Indo-Pacific." LANPAC provided a unique opportunity to shape the future of landpower in one of the world's most dynamic and strategically vital regions.
During LANPAC, Kim served as a keynote speaker on May 13, 2026, addressing the importance of innovation, modernization, and allied cooperation in shaping the future of security in the Indo-Pacific region. (
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/565215)
Arai participated in a panel focused on prevailing through partnerships, where he spoke on the need for defense cooperation across the Indo-Pacific. (
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/565345)
The Strategic Landpower Network remains critical to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Hosting these honors on the island of O'ahu carried symbolic significance. Known in the Hawaiian language as "the gathering place," the island once again served its namesake purpose by convening trusted allies and partners to strengthen the bonds of friendship and shared purpose that define the Strategic Landpower Network in the Indo-Pacific.