Top Naval Leaders Discuss Strategic Alliances: Adm. Lisa Franchetti Meets With Germany’s Vice Adm. Jan Christian Kaack

VENICE, Italy – In a crucial assembly of minds at the 14th Trans-Regional Seapower Symposium (TRSS) in Venice, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti engaged with Inspector of the German Navy Vice Adm. Jan Christian Kaack. The conference, held on October 9, 2024, brought together top naval figures to collaborate on emerging maritime challenges posed by a changing global landscape.

A significant part of the dialogue revolved around the current security dynamics in Europe and the Middle East. The leaders focused extensively on enhancing cooperation through bilateral and multilateral operations in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting a shared vision for maritime security.

The collaborative discussions welcomed the German Navy’s increased footprint in the Indo-Pacific and highlighted their active participation in this year’s Rim of the Pacific Exercise. Adm. Franchetti praised Vice Adm. Kaack for these efforts, noting how the shared experiences from these exercises are pivotal in boosting the readiness of their navies for future operations.

An essential item on the agenda was the strategic alignment reflected in the CNO’s latest strategic guidance titled “Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy,” and the German Navy’s long-term goals labeled as “German Navy Objectives for 2035 and beyond.” Both documents emphasize the critical need to operationalize robotic and autonomous systems, underscoring a joint commitment to innovation and readiness.

Germany’s position as a key NATO ally and a pivotal partner in global peace and stability was underscored, reflecting the enduring strength and importance of transatlantic security partnerships in an increasingly complex world. The symposium, held every two years, continues to serve as a vital forum for international naval collaboration.