Visit to the Maritime Operation Center by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

The newly appointed new Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, ADM Stephen Koehler visited Commander in Chief, Self Defense Fleet, VADM SAITO Akira in the Maritime Operation Center.
Both Commanders shared their awareness of the increasingly complex security environment in the Indo-Pacific region, VADM SAITO explained that close cooperation between the JMSDF and the U.S. Navy has been strengthened through many opportunities of various levels between the Self Defense Fleet and the U.S. 7th Fleet, including frequent exchanges of views that they conduct on a regular basis, bilateral surveillance and information gathering, exercises and drills.
They also confirmed to promote powerfully deterrence and response capabilities through multilateral cooperation with Australia, South Korea, India, the Philippines, and NATO member countries, centered on the JMSDF and the U.S. Navy, which is extremely important for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Self Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, not only for the defense of Japan but also for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” in cooperation with allied and like-minded navies.