PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander U.S. Pacific Fleet, visited Japan, April 20-21, 2023, to reaffirm the U.S.-Japan Alliance as the cornerstone of security in the Indo-Pacific.
Paparo met with senior Japanese officials to discuss the increasing security challenge in the Indo-Pacific.
The meetings included:
- State Minister of Defense Toshiro Ino
- Director General of North American Affairs Bureau Yasuhiro Kobe
- Chugoku-Shikoku Defense Bureau Director-General Imakyurei Manabu
- Iwakuni Mayor Yoshihiko Fukuda
- Japan Joint Staff Chairman Gen. Yoshihide Yoshida
- Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Chief of Staff Adm. Ryo Sakai
- Japan Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Shohei Ishii
The leaders addressed the importance of close coordination and integration between the two maritime forces. They also discussed the Alliances and trilateral cooperation between Japan, Republic of Korea and the United States, and other multilateral arrangements, to enhance interoperability between our collective forces to demonstrate the strength of the trilateral relationship and resolve against those who challenge regional stability.
Paparo also extended condolence for the loss of the ten troops on board the Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) UH-60JA helicopter. He offered assistance in the recovery efforts.
The visit to Japan underscored the United States’ commitment to strengthening alliances and partnerships for an enduring resilient, free and open Indo-Pacific.