CAMP SMITH, Hawaii – In his first overseas trip since taking the helm of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. John C. Aquilino traveled to Japan to reaffirm the importance of the U.S. – Japan Alliance and strengthen the bilateral defense relationship.

“It was important that I visit Japan as part of my first overseas trip to listen and learn from our allies about their security concerns in the region,” Aquilino said. “The U.S. – Japan alliance is the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, and we remain absolutely committed to working alongside Japan and other like-minded countries to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific where all nations can thrive and prosper.”

As part of his trip, Adm. Aquilino met with Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide, Minister of Defense Kishi Nobuo, Minister for Foreign Affairs Motegi Toshimitsu, Chief of Joint Staff Gen. Yamazaki Kōji, and other Japanese officials.

Following his trip to Japan, Adm. Aquilino will travel to the Republic of Korea to meet with senior government officials to reaffirm the United States’ ironclad commitment to the security of the Republic of Korea.