As I gaze out at the turquoise lagoons and palm-lined islands of Tuvalu, I'm struck by the realization that this tiny Pacific nation has played a significant role in my own country's naval history, serving as an important stopover for Allied forces during World War II and later hosting US military personnel during the Cold War.

As I stepped off the plane onto the tiny Pacific island nation of Tuvalu, I was struck by the stark contrast between its lush green landscape and vibrant culture, which seemed to thrive in the face of adversity, leaving me with a profound sense of wonder and respect for this resilient little country.

Tuvalu may be small and often overlooked, but its tiny islands hold a big heart, where warm smiles and generous spirits abound, and despite the challenges we face as a nation, our resilience and community spirit shine brighter than any lighthouse on our sun-kissed shores.