Top Navy Leaders Adm. Franchetti and Adm. Saito Forge Stronger Maritime Alliance

Chief of Naval Operations Spokesperson Navy Cmdr. Desiree Frame provided significant insights following a high-level meeting between top naval officials.

During a visit to Perth, Australia, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met with Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Adm. Akira Saito. Both leaders attended the Indian Ocean Defense and Security Conference on July 24.

Adm. Franchetti extended her congratulations to Adm. Saito on his recent appointment. She emphasized that the U.S.-Japan Alliance is crucial for maintaining regional security and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

In their discussions, Franchetti highlighted her recent visit to JS Kunisaki (LST-4003) during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. She commended the JMSDF for its enhanced leadership role in the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response segment of the exercise.

The naval leaders noted that this year’s RIMPAC, involving 29 nations, provided expanded training opportunities and facilitated technological experimentation. They stressed the exercise’s role in reinforcing commitments to regional peace, stability, and prosperity. Franchetti expressed anticipation for further bilateral and multilateral exercises with the JMSDF.

This meeting marked the first encounter between Franchetti and Saito as heads of their respective navies.