Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti Deliberates with Singapore’s Navy Chief Rear Adm. Sean Wat

Chief of Naval Operations Spokesperson Navy Cmdr. Desiree Frame released a detailed readout of a pivotal meeting between U.S. and Singapore naval leaders.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met with the Republic of Singapore’s Chief of Navy, Rear Adm. Sean Wat, in Perth, Australia on July 24. The meeting took place during the Indian Ocean Defense and Security (IODS) Conference.

The leaders focused on enhancing Singapore’s participation in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. Since 2008, Singapore has been an active participant in the exercise. Discussions included plans to expand high-end training and improve interoperability in this year’s exercise.

They emphasized the importance of reinforcing bilateral force posture cooperation in Singapore. This aims to boost deeper interoperability and affirm their joint commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The navies of the U.S. and Singapore frequently engage in joint operations and training exercises. Most recently, they launched the multilateral exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) in Thailand last week.

Adm. Franchetti and Rear Adm. Wat previously convened in April during the U.S. Pacific Fleet change of command ceremony in Pearl Harbor, HI.