READOUT: Pacific Fleet commander’s travel to Diego Garcia, Oct. 11

15 October 2024

From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, traveled to Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) alongside Fleet Master Chief Donald L. Davis, Jr., Oct. 11, to review capabilities and facilities and engage with personnel at the strategic outpost.

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DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory – Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, speaks to installation personnel in the island room during his visit to U.S. Naval Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia Oct. 11, 2024. NSF Diego Garcia’s mission is to provide critical support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean, while supporting multi-theater forces operating in the CENTCOM, AFRICOM, EUCOM and PACOM areas of responsibilities in support of overseas contingency operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jordan Steis)

Koehler met with U.S. Navy Capt. Brian Jamison, commanding officer of Naval Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia, to discuss the unique challenges and mission requirements of those stationed at this remote but vital facility.

During a tour of the installation, Koehler and Davis visited housing and dining facilities, logistics depots, airfields, and piers. Koehler commended leadership for their support to visiting aircraft, ships, and submarines, including a recent visit by the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), one of the ships assigned to the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, which conducted a brief stop for fuel in Diego Garcia on Sept. 28.

DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory – Capt. Brian A. Jamison, commanding officer of U.S. Naval Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia, gives Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and his wife, Mrs. Gina Koehler, a tour of the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation marina during Koelher’s visit to NSF Diego Garcia Oct. 11, 2024. NSF Diego Garcia’s mission is to provide critical support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean, while supporting multi-theater forces operating in the CENTCOM, AFRICOM, EUCOM and PACOM areas of responsibilities in support of overseas contingency operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jordan Steis)

DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory – Machinist’s Mate Chief Thaddeus Docheffjones, assigned to U.S. Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, recites the oath of reenlistment given by Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, during his re-enlistment ceremony in the island room aboard Diego Garcia Oct. 11, 2024. NSF Diego Garcia’s mission is to provide critical support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean, while supporting multi-theater forces operating in the CENTCOM, AFRICOM, EUCOM and PACOM areas of responsibilities in support of overseas contingency operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jordan Steis)

DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory – Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Laquan Deen, assigned to U.S. Naval Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia, is recognized by Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Diego Garcia, in the island room during his visit to NSF Diego Garcia Oct. 11, 2024. NSF Diego Garcia’s mission is to provide critical support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean, while supporting multi-theater forces operating in the CENTCOM, AFRICOM, EUCOM and PACOM areas of responsibilities in support of overseas contingency operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jordan Steis)

DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory – Master-at-Arms 1st Class Alexander Hoven, assigned to U.S. Naval Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia, is recognized by Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, in the island room during Koehler’s visit to NSF Diego Garcia Oct. 11, 2024. NSF Diego Garcia’s mission is to provide critical support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean, while supporting multi-theater forces operating in the CENTCOM, AFRICOM, EUCOM and PACOM areas of responsibilities in support of overseas contingency operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jordan Steis)

During an all-hands call, Koehler and Davis praised the professionalism and resilience of the Diego Garcia team, addressed questions from U.S. and U.K. military, civilian, and contract personnel, and discussed the critical role NSF Diego Garcia plays in supporting operational forces deployed to the Indian Ocean.

The visit provided Koehler and Davis with an opportunity to engage directly with the NSF Diego Garcia team and underscored the strategic importance of Diego Garcia to an enduring free and open Indo-Pacific by enabling presence, assured access, and defense of the global commons.