Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday visited Japan July 25, to meet with Japan Ministry of Defense and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) leadership.
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday visited Japan July 25, to meet with Japan Ministry of Defense and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) leadership.
During the visit, Gilday met with Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, State Minister of Defense Yasuhide Nakayama, Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Gen. Koji Yamazaki, and Chief of the Maritime Staff Adm. Hiroshi Yamamura.
"Make no mistake, the U.S. - Japan Alliance is the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, and the bond between our two navies is iron-clad," said Gilday. "Whether we exercise at sea, operate together bilaterally or multilaterally, or conduct humanitarian missions, our maritime cooperation continues to grow. Together, we share a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific and work shoulder-to-shoulder to maintain security and stability in one of the world's most important regions."
Yamamura echoed similar sentiments.
"The discussion in the face-to-face meeting with ADM Gilday is of much significance in promoting Japan-U.S. naval cooperation and in enhancing alliance capabilities for deterrence and effective response," said Yamamura. "JMSDF and the U.S. Navy will continue to closely work together for a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific.'"
During his engagements, Gilday reaffirmed that the U.S. Navy will continue to operate in this vital region alongside the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to address common challenges and help keep the seas open and free.
The JMSDF and U.S. navies operate together nearly daily in the Indo-Pacific region and around the globe.
This visit marked Gilday's second to Japan since assuming duties as CNO.
