WASHINGTON -- Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy, Vice Adm. Bill Merz co-hosted a strategic dialogue with his Japanese counterpart, Rear Adm. OMACHI Katushi, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Director General of Operations and Plans Department, here in the Pentagon, Oct. 27.

The meeting was an opportunity to discuss how Japan and the U.S. can “continuously improve bilateral operations and exercises,” said Merz. “Through enhancing our interoperability and integrated maritime operational capability with Japan, we can better counter coercive and subversive acts that undermine our collective security and stability.”

Citing strength in unity, the leaders emphasized the importance of alliances and partnerships to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The strategic dialogue also provided the two navies an opportunity to assess the shared progress toward interoperability, as well as naval capabilities and capacity. They also addressed combined projects to increase high-end interoperability through realistic exercises and training scenarios. Recently, Japan and U.S. forces participated in MALABAR 2021, an exercise dedicated to putting those projects into action.

During his visit to the Pentagon, OMACHI visited with Deputy CNO for Information Warfare, VADM Trussler (N2/N6), Deputy CNO for Warfighting Development, VADM Hughes (N7), and Deputy CNO for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities, VADM Conn (N9).

The Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5) is the principal advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) on Navy strategies, plans, and policies, including planning and coordinating the global employment of naval forces.