The Forge advanced manufacturing facility at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Credit: USINDOPACOM.

The US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) has marked the initial opening of “The Forge,” an advanced manufacturing facility at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii.

The soft opening held on 28 July 2025, was attended by USINDOPACOM commander admiral Samuel Paparo, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between USINDOPACOM and the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Innovation Capability and Modernization (ICAM) Office.

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The new installation is designed to support innovative production methods within the military infrastructure.

Funded through the DoD’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program, The Forge is equipped with advanced technologies such as 3D printing, casting and forging, rapid prototyping and precision machining.

These capabilities aim to secure the military’s technological edge and support the Joint Force’s sustainability efforts.

“Advanced manufacturing gives Hawaii a strategic advantage as this technology will revolutionise our defence capabilities and operational readiness in unprecedented ways. As the tip of the spear, we must move faster to harness the full potential this manufacturing revolution offers our readiness capabilities, yet we cannot adapt fast enough,” Paparo said.

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The Forge is poised to manufacture a wide array of components, ranging from replacement parts to advanced prototypes and uncrewed systems, for the US Navy and Joint Forces.

This development is expected to mitigate reliance on traditional supply chains and facilitate rapid prototyping in collaboration with partners and allies.

The facility also aims to create a ‘Collaborative Environment’ for the Joint Force, focusing on fabricating components that typically have long lead times or are critical to missions.

This initiative is expected to not only accelerate innovation but also strengthen expeditionary military capabilities and contribute to Hawaii’s economic development.

The opening of The Forge highlights the DoD’s commitment to reinforcing Hawaii’s role in the defence industrial base.

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