SINGAPORE (NNS) -- Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, made his inaugural visit to Singapore Nov. 8-10 to strengthen maritime partnerships with leaders from the Republic of Singapore Navy and meet with U.S. Sailors and their families.

During his Singapore visit, Aucoin met with the Republic of Singapore Chief of Navy Rear Adm. Lai Chung Han and the Republic of Singapore Navy Fleet Commander Read Adm. Lew Chuen Hong.

"We have a strong tradition of maritime security cooperation with the Republic of Singapore Navy," said Aucoin. "We appreciate the support and friendship of our Singaporean partners and the persistent relationships they've maintained with the U.S. 7th Fleet over the last 25 years of our defense relationship."

While visiting COMLOGWESTPAC (COMLOG WESTPAC), Aucoin had the opportunity to tour the USNS Millinocket (T-EPF 3) where he was briefed on the capabilities of the expeditionary fast transport platform. Additionally, Aucoin spent time with U.S. Sailors and their families during a town hall event where he highlighted the importance of operational readiness and sustaining the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward presence in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Aucoin also took questions on Navy policy and personnel matters while recognizing the important contributions of Sailors and Navy families assigned to Singapore.

"Your mission of logistics, maintenance, theater security engagement, and the regional support that sustains these missions, contributes greatly to maintaining peace and prosperity across this region," said Aucoin "I appreciate your service and the work you do here in Singapore to support the U.S. 7th Fleet."

COMLOG WESTPAC is the U.S. 7th Fleet's provider of combat-ready logistics, operating government-owned and contracted ships to keep units throughout 7th Fleet armed, fueled, and fed.

Additionally, Task Force 73 conducts advanced planning, organizes resources and directly supports the execution of maritime exercises such as the bilateral Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training series, the Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) with Vietnam, and the multilateral Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.