Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Matsumoto presented “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star” to Rear Admiral Carl Lahti, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan, and offered his congratulations on June 21. The Commander steadily enhanced ties between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the United States Navy, and contributed greatly to strengthening the Alliance capabilities to deter and respond and realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific through his exceptional leadership.
Also, they affirmed the U.S. Navy plays a significant role in ensuring defense of Japan and peace and stability in the region, and also affirmed the continued close cooperation between the two countries in order to maintain and strengthen the peace and stability in the region.
