Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday hosted the Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Adm. Ryo Sakai in Washington, D.C., for an office visit, June 28.
WASHINGTON (NNS) - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday hosted the Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Adm. Ryo Sakai in Washington, D.C., for an office visit, June 28.
The two leaders discussed maritime security and ongoing efforts to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.
"The alliance between Japan and the United States is the cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific", said Gilday. "Our bond with Japan has never been stronger. We share a common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific and, together, we will work tirelessly to ensure and maintain security and stability in one of the world's most important regions. Adm. Sakai's visit provides a great opportunity to gain his first-hand strategic insights into regional security issues as well as engage in productive discussions on how our navies can accelerate critical advances in interoperability."
"The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will be celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, and our history has always been with the U.S. Navy - protecting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific Region," said Sakai. "The importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance is growing by the day, and today Adm. Gilday and I confirmed our strong bond and will to realize our common values of peace and stability in Indo-Pacific region."
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss how Japan and the U.S. can increase readiness, deter and counter malign gray-zone activities in the Indo-Pacific, and focus on interoperability and interchangeability between the two forces.
JMSDF and U.S. naval forces regularly operate together around the globe. This year the two navies participated in exercises such as Noble Fusion, Sea Dragon, Resilient Shield, and numerous other bilateral engagements.
This is the first opportunity for the two leaders to meet since Sakai became JMSDF's Chief of Staff in March 2022.
