READOUT: Pacific Fleet commander’s travel to Australia, November 1-6, 2025

07 November 2025

From From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, traveled to Australia alongside Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, Nov. 1-6, 2025 to reaffirm and advance the strong alliance between Australia and the United States.

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Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet visits war memorial

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, background, and Rear Adm. Terry Morrison, commander, Surface Force, Royal Australian Navy, foreground, lay wreaths in memory of fallen Australian service members during a Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia, Nov. 2, 2025. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Sypert)

Koehler began the trip in Canberra to meet with senior Australian and U.S. officials to discuss shared security concerns. He also visited the Australian National War Museum and laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial.
The meetings in Canberra included:

Ms. Abigail Bradshaw, director-general, Australian Signals Directorate
Ms. Erika Olson, charge d’affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Canberra

Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet meets with embassy staff

Erika Olson, charge d’affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Canberra, Australia, left, greets Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, prior to a meeting at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra, Australia, Nov. 3, 2025. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, meets with Erika Olson, charge d’affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Canberra, Australia, Nov. 3, 2025. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, reads the names of fallen Australian service members on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia, Nov. 2, 2025. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, and Rear Adm. Terry Morrison, commander, Surface Force, Royal Australian Navy, right, lay wreaths in memory of fallen Australian service members during a Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia, Nov. 2, 2025. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center left, Rear Adm. Terry Morrison, commander, Surface Force, Royal Australian Navy, center right, and members of Koehler’s staff salute during the playing of the Australian national anthem during a Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia, Nov. 2, 2025. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, receives a tour of the Afghanistan War exhibit at the Australian War Memorial from retired Rear Adm. Mark Campbell, Royal Australian Navy, in Canberra, Australia, Nov. 2, 2025. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, receives a tour of World War II exhibit at the Australian War Memorial from Matt Anderson, director of the Australian War Memorial, right, and retired Rear Adm. Mark Campbell, Royal Australian Navy, left, in Canberra, Australia, Nov. 2, 2025. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, and his wife, Gina Koehler, center, receive a tour of Tarin Kowt Wall exhibit at the Australian War Memorial from retired Rear Adm. Mark Campbell, Royal Australian Navy, in Canberra, Australia, Nov. 2, 2025. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center left, and his wife, Gina Koehler, center, receive a tour of new additions to the Australian War Memorial from Matt Anderson, director of the Australian War Memorial, in Canberra, Australia, Nov. 2, 2025. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, receives a tour of Australian War Memorial from Matt Anderson, director of the Australian War Memorial, left, and retired Rear Adm. Mark Campbell, Royal Australian Navy, in Canberra, Australia, Nov. 2, 2025. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center left, receives a tour of Australian War Memorial from Matt Anderson, director of the Australian War Memorial, center right, and retired Rear Adm. Mark Campbell, Royal Australian Navy, left, in Canberra, Australia, Nov. 2, 2025. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, and his wife, Gina Koehler, receive a tour of the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier from Matt Anderson, director of the Australian War Memorial, at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia, Nov. 2, 2025. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Sypert)

Koehler then traveled to Sydney to participate in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference. He joined senior leaders from Fiji, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia in a panel discussion on ‘Maritime Security Challenges – Indo-Pacific Perspectives,’ in which they emphasized the need for innovation and interoperability in developing future naval capabilities, the importance of freedom of and access to the seas, and the value of collective, credible deterrence and partnerships between navies.

Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet speaks at conference

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, second from right, delivers remarks during a maritime security challenges panel with senior Navy officers from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Fiji at the Royal Australian Navy Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference 2025 (RAN IP25) in Sydney, Nov. 4, 2025. RAN IP25 emphasizes the commitment of the United States, Australia, and partner nations to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, delivers opening remarks during the USA Partnership Pavillion opening ceremony at the Royal Australian Navy Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference 2025 (RAN IP25) in Sydney, Nov. 4, 2025. RAN IP25 emphasizes the commitment of the United States, Australia, and partner nations to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet atttends conference

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center left, and Erika Olson, charge d’affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Canberra, Australia, stand at attention for the playing of the U.S. national anthem during the USA Partnership Pavillion opening ceremony at the Royal Australian Navy Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference 2025 (RAN IP25) in Sydney, Nov. 4, 2025. RAN IP25 emphasizes the commitment of the United States, Australia, and partner nations to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Koehler also gave remarks at the USA Partnership Pavilion Opening Ceremony with Royal Australian Navy Rear Adm. Stephen Hughes, head of Navy capability, and Ms. Erika Olson, charge d’affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Canberra, highlighting how both navies, alongside allies and partners are entering a new phase of technological cooperation and industrial integration to address shared maritime challenges.

During the conference, Koehler met with senior RAN and ally and partner military officials to discuss the importance of maritime security and interoperability between naval forces in the Indo-Pacific.

Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet meets with counterparts

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, meets with Vice Adm. Jan Christian Kaak, chief of German Navy, at the Royal Australian Navy Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference 2025 (RAN IP25) in Sydney, Nov. 6, 2025. RAN IP25 emphasizes the commitment of the United States, Australia, and partner nations to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, meets with Adm. Antonio Piñeiro Sánchez, chief of staff Spanish Navy, at the Royal Australian Navy Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference 2025 (RAN IP25) in Sydney, Nov. 6, 2025. RAN IP25 emphasizes the commitment of the United States, Australia, and partner nations to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, meets with Adm. Juan Ricardo Rozo, commander of Colombian Navy, at the Royal Australian Navy Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference 2025 (RAN IP25) in Sydney, Nov. 6, 2025. RAN IP25 emphasizes the commitment of the United States, Australia, and partner nations to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, meets with Adm. Tan Zulhelmy bin Ithnain, chief of Royal Malaysian Navy, left, at the Royal Australian Navy Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference 2025 (RAN IP25) in Sydney, Nov. 6, 2025. RAN IP25 emphasizes the commitment of the United States, Australia, and partner nations to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, meets with Vice Adm. Angus Topshee, commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, left, at the Royal Australian Navy Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference 2025 (RAN IP25) in Sydney, Nov. 5, 2025. RAN IP25 emphasizes the commitment of the United States, Australia, and partner nations to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, meets with First Adm. Sahibul Bahari bin Haji Zainal Abidin, commander of the Royal Brunei Navy, left, at the Royal Australian Navy Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference 2025 (RAN IP25) in Sydney, Nov. 5, 2025. RAN IP25 emphasizes the commitment of the United States, Australia, and partner nations to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, meets with Rear Adm. Sean Wat, chief of the Republic of Singapore Navy, left, at the Royal Australian Navy Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference 2025 (RAN IP25) in Sydney, Nov. 5, 2025. RAN IP25 emphasizes the commitment of the United States, Australia, and partner nations to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center right, meets with Vice Adm. Harold Liebregs, chief of the Royal Netherlands Navy, left, at the Royal Australian Navy Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference 2025 (RAN IP25) in Sydney, Nov. 5, 2025. RAN IP25 emphasizes the commitment of the United States, Australia, and partner nations to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center right, meets with Rear Adm. Garin Golding, chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy, left, at the Royal Australian Navy Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference 2025 (RAN IP25) in Sydney, Nov. 5, 2025. RAN IP25 emphasizes the commitment of the United States, Australia, and partner nations to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, meets with Adm. Fernando Cabrera, chief of the Chilean Navy, at the Royal Australian Navy Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference 2025 (RAN IP25) in Sydney, Nov. 5, 2025. RAN IP25 emphasizes the commitment of the United States, Australia, and partner nations to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center right, meets with Vice Adm. Jose Ezpeleta, chief of the Philippine Navy, left, at the Royal Australian Navy Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference 2025 (RAN IP25) in Sydney, Nov. 5, 2025. RAN IP25 emphasizes the commitment of the United States, Australia, and partner nations to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, meets with Brig. Gen. Opa Lari, deputy chief of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, left, at the Royal Australian Navy Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference 2025 (RAN IP25) in Sydney, Nov. 5, 2025. RAN IP25 emphasizes the commitment of the United States, Australia, and partner nations to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, meets with Adm. Javier Bravo de Rueda Delgado, chief of the Peruvian Navy, at the Royal Australian Navy Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference 2025 (RAN IP25) in Sydney, Nov. 4, 2025. RAN IP25 emphasizes the commitment of the United States, Australia, and partner nations to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Aric Sypert)

Bilateral engagements included:

First Adm. Sahibul Bahari bin Haji Zainal Abidin, commander of Royal Brunei Navy
Vice Adm. Angus Topshee, commander of Royal Canadian Navy
Adm. Fernando Cabrera, chief of Chilean Navy
Adm. Juan Ricardo Rozo, commander of Colombian Navy
Vice Adm. Jan Christian Kaak, chief of German Navy
Adm. Tan Zulhelmy bin Ithnain, chief of Royal Malaysian Navy
Vice Adm. Harold Liebregs, commander of Royal Netherlands Navy
Rear Adm. Garin Golding – chief of Royal New Zealand Navy
Brig. Gen. Opa Lari, deputy chief of Papua New Guinea Defence Force
Adm. Javier Bravo de Rueda, chief of Peru Navy
Vice Adm. Jose Ezpeleta, flag officer-in-command of the Philippine Navy
Rear Adm. Sean Wat - chief of Republic of Singapore Navy
Adm. Antonio Piñeiro Sánchez, chief of staff Spanish Navy

Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet presents award

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT), right, presents the Legion of Merit to Capt. Josh Wilson, center, at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra, Australia, Nov. 3, 2025. Wilson was presented the Legion of Merit for his service as the deputy director of COMPACTLT’s N51 directorate. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Sypert)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT), center right, thanks Capt. Josh Wilson, Royal Australian Navy, and his family for their service during a Legion of Merit presentation ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra, Australia, Nov. 3, 2025. Wilson was presented the Legion of Merit for his service as the deputy director of COMPACTLT’s N51 directorate. The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Sypert)

The U.S.- Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The visit to Australia further deepened the strong relationship and advanced both countries’ shared interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea.