Last week, the AALD welcomed an outstanding delegation of leaders to the 2025 Honolulu Leadership Dialogue (HLD).
Throughout the week, the Dialogue explored strategic risk, Pacific-Island leaders’ perspectives on climate and economic security, national preparedness and resilience, the growing role of AI and non-traditional warfare in complementing our AUKUS partnership, and the accelerating demands on space, cyber and maritime deterrence.
Key highlights included a briefing from Admiral Sam Paparo to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, site-visits and Dialogue on Virginia-class submarines with US and Australian submariners, and engagement with Brigadier General Brian Denaro and the US Space Force.
We were also honoured to have Hon Matt Keogh MP, Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister for Veterans Affairs, join the delegation, allowing him to meet the impressive group of embedded Australians on-island in Hawaii, as our engagement with the US Department of War progresses alongside the AUKUS partnership.
Seeing Australian Defence personnel fully embedded in these commands — not as observers, but as trusted contributors — underscored the strength of our integration. Their professionalism, technical depth and adaptability are recognised and valued, and the uplift flows in both directions.
This key takeaway was reinforced when we spent time with the crews of USS Indiana and USS Montana. Hearing US sailors speak with pride about their ADF shipmates — their skill, their leadership, and the sharing of expertise, techniques and war fighting nuance they bring into the team — was deeply enlightening. These are not symbolic or token placements. They are deep operational partnerships shaping how our nations work, fight and deter together.
The insights and relationships forged in Honolulu will continue through ongoing engagement between delegates, strengthening partnerships, addressing key challenges, and advancing our alliance.
Please enjoy some photos captured throughout the 2025 Honolulu Leadership Dialogue.
