CNO Hosts Japanese Counterpart

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Julianne Metzger, CNO Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert hosted Admiral Tomohisa Takei, Chief of Staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), for a day-long counterpart visit in the metropolitan DC area July 29.

"Admiral Takei is going to bring the Japanese-American alliance into a new chapter," said Greenert. "We are about to move forward, over his tenure, into a really unprecedented opportunity for the security of northeastern Asia and the Asia-Pacific region."

The visit began with a Full Honors Ceremony in Leutze Park at Washington Navy Yard. After short welcoming remarks from Greenert the event featured an inspection of troops by Takei as well as a pass and review.

Afterward, both leaders visited with cadets from the Naval Sea Cadet Band of the West (BOTW) San Francisco Bay area and Henry E. Mooberry Division, United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

Following the ceremony, the two naval leaders and respective delegations held a bilateral meeting nearby. The group discussed the ongoing importance that both nations place on maintaining a robust and cooperative maritime relationship to achieve strength and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Our alliance with Japan and our relationship with Japan, with the JMSDF, is the most critical element for security for Asia and for this world, today," said Greenert.

Takei also visited U.S. 10th Fleet/U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and met with U.S. Fleet Cyber Command Commander Vice Adm. Jan Tighe, at Ft. Meade, Maryland.

Later, Takei spoke at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. At the event, "From Ocean of War to Ocean of Prosperity," Takei discussed the development of the U.S.-Japan relationship, Japan's role in the region, and the future of a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific.

Greenert, having lived and served in Japan, said the continuing strong partnership between the U.S. and Japan will increase and foster global partnership in maritime security.

"We're moving into multilateral, now we're incorporating India, Australia and with other navies in and around the world," said Greenert. "We are entering a new realm of cooperation."