Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet presented a letter of appreciation to Master Chief Petty Officer of the Self Defense Fleet.

On December 15, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Self Defense Fleet, Chief Petty Officer KITAGUCHI Takeshi was awarded a letter of appreciation by Vice Admiral Karl Thomas, Commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet.
Since his appointment in December 2022, MCPO KITAGUCHI demonstrated leadership as a bridge between the Self Defense Fleet and the U.S. 7th Fleet with a sense of responsibility and a wealth of experience and worked dedicatedly and continuously to strengthen and deepen the relationship.
The Self-Defense Fleet works closely with the U.S. 7th Fleet on a regular basis to contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region for the defense of Japan and the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”