READOUT: Pacific Fleet Commander’s travel to Perth, Australia, May 25-27

28 May 2026

From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visited Perth, Australia, May 25-27, 2026, to attend the Indian Ocean Defence & Security (IODS) 2026 Conference & Exhibition, Australia’s premier forum on defense and security in the Indian Ocean region designed to facilitate high-level engagement on shared regional challenges, capability development, and sovereign industry growth.

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U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, speaks during a panel about Naval leadership with Adm. Mark Hammond, chief of navy, Royal Australian Navy, center left, and Vice Adm. Yasuhiro Kunimi, vice chief of staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, center right, at the Indian Ocean Defence & Security (IODS) 2026 Conference and Exhibition in Perth, Australia, May 26, 2026. IODS 2026, Australia’s premier forum on defence and security in the Indian Ocean region, is a strategically focused international defense and security event designed to facilitate high-level engagement on shared regional challenges, capability development, and sovereign industry growth. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

At IODS 2026, Koehler met with senior Australian defense and government officials and industry partners to reinforce the strength of the U.S.-Australia alliance, emphasize U.S. commitment to AUKUS, and to deepen ties with allies and partners to achieve a shared commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region.

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, poses for a photo with Vice Adm. Justin Jones, chief of joint operations for the Australian Defence Force, at the Indian Ocean Defence & Security (IODS) 2026 Conference and Exhibition in Perth, Australia, May 26, 2026. IODS 2026, Australia’s premier forum on defence and security in the Indian Ocean region, is a strategically focused international defense and security event designed to facilitate high-level engagement on shared regional challenges, capability development, and sovereign industry growth. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, and Vice Adm. Yasuhiro Kunimi, vice chief of staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, pose for a photo at the Indian Ocean Defence & Security (IODS) 2026 Conference and Exhibition in Perth, Australia, May 25, 2026. IODS 2026, Australia’s premier forum on defence and security in the Indian Ocean region, is a strategically focused international defense and security event designed to facilitate high-level engagement on shared regional challenges, capability development, and sovereign industry growth. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, poses for a photo with U.S. Consul General to Western Australia Colleen Altstock at a reception hosted by the U.S. Embassy to Western Australia during his travel to Perth, Australia, May 26, 2026. Koehler’s visit to Australia reaffirmed the U.S. – Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, shakes hands with Vice Adm. Justin Jones, chief of joint operations for the Australian Defence Force, at the Indian Ocean Defence & Security (IODS) 2026 Conference and Exhibition in Perth, Australia, May 26, 2026. IODS 2026, Australia’s premier forum on defence and security in the Indian Ocean region, is a strategically focused international defense and security event designed to facilitate high-level engagement on shared regional challenges, capability development, and sovereign industry growth. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, converses with Vice Adm. Yasuhiro Kunimi, vice chief of staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, at the Indian Ocean Defence & Security (IODS) 2026 Conference and Exhibition in Perth, Australia, May 25, 2026. IODS 2026, Australia’s premier forum on defence and security in the Indian Ocean region, is a strategically focused international defense and security event designed to facilitate high-level engagement on shared regional challenges, capability development, and sovereign industry growth. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

During the conference, Koehler participated in a senior Naval leadership panel alongside Hammond and Vice Adm. Yasuhiro Kunimi, vice chief of staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The leaders reflected on the strong partnership between the three nations, capability integration, and increased interoperability between allies and partners in the region which provides credible deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, speaks during a panel about Naval leadership with Adm. Mark Hammond, chief of navy, Royal Australian Navy, center, at the Indian Ocean Defence & Security (IODS) 2026 Conference and Exhibition in Perth, Australia, May 26, 2026. IODS 2026, Australia’s premier forum on defence and security in the Indian Ocean region, is a strategically focused international defense and security event designed to facilitate high-level engagement on shared regional challenges, capability development, and sovereign industry growth. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, speaks during a panel about Naval leadership at the Indian Ocean Defence & Security (IODS) 2026 Conference and Exhibition in Perth, Australia, May 26, 2026. IODS 2026, Australia’s premier forum on defence and security in the Indian Ocean region, is a strategically focused international defense and security event designed to facilitate high-level engagement on shared regional challenges, capability development, and sovereign industry growth. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, speaks during a panel about Naval leadership with Adm. Mark Hammond, chief of navy, Royal Australian Navy, left, and Vice Adm. Yasuhiro Kunimi, vice chief of staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, right, at the Indian Ocean Defence & Security (IODS) 2026 Conference and Exhibition in Perth, Australia, May 26, 2026. IODS 2026, Australia’s premier forum on defence and security in the Indian Ocean region, is a strategically focused international defense and security event designed to facilitate high-level engagement on shared regional challenges, capability development, and sovereign industry growth. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, speaks during a panel about Naval leadership with Adm. Mark Hammond, chief of navy, Royal Australian Navy, left, at the Indian Ocean Defence & Security (IODS) 2026 Conference and Exhibition in Perth, Australia, May 26, 2026. IODS 2026, Australia’s premier forum on defence and security in the Indian Ocean region, is a strategically focused international defense and security event designed to facilitate high-level engagement on shared regional challenges, capability development, and sovereign industry growth. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, and Adm. Mark Hammond, chief of navy, Royal Australian Navy, left, listen as Vice Adm. Yasuhiro Kunimi, vice chief of staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, right, speaks during a panel about Naval leadership at the Indian Ocean Defence & Security (IODS) 2026 Conference and Exhibition in Perth, Australia, May 26, 2026. IODS 2026, Australia’s premier forum on defence and security in the Indian Ocean region, is a strategically focused international defense and security event designed to facilitate high-level engagement on shared regional challenges, capability development, and sovereign industry growth. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center right; speaks during a panel about Naval leadership with Adm. Mark Hammond, chief of navy, Royal Australian Navy, center left, and Vice Adm. Yasuhiro Kunimi, vice chief of staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, right, at the Indian Ocean Defence & Security (IODS) 2026 Conference and Exhibition in Perth, Australia, May 26, 2026. IODS 2026, Australia’s premier forum on defence and security in the Indian Ocean region, is a strategically focused international defense and security event designed to facilitate high-level engagement on shared regional challenges, capability development, and sovereign industry growth. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

Koehler also visited the Royal Australian Navy base HMAS Stirling on Garden Island to tour the training, housing, and gym facilities. He also visited Kings Park to view a plaque given by U.S. Navy Adm. James D. Watkins, commander in chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, in 1982 thanking the people of Western Australia for their hospitality over the many decades to the U.S. Navy.

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, and Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, chief of navy, Royal Australian Navy, right, receive a tour of the Diamantina Pier on the Royal Australian Navy base HMAS Stirling during Koehler’s visit to Perth, Australia, May 25, 2026. Koehler’s visit to Australia reaffirmed the U.S. – Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left; converses with Capt. Ken Burleigh, commanding officer, HMAS Stirling, center; and Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, chief of navy, Royal Australian Navy, before a tour of the Royal Australian Navy base in Perth, Australia, May 25, 2026. Koehler’s visit to Australia reaffirmed the U.S. – Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, receives a tour of the Diamantina Pier on the Royal Australian Navy base HMAS Stirling during his visit to Perth, Australia, May 25, 2026. Koehler’s visit to Australia reaffirmed the U.S. – Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, and Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, chief of navy, Royal Australian Navy, center, receive a tour of the housing facilities on the Royal Australian Navy base HMAS Stirling during Koehler’s visit to Perth, Australia, May 25, 2026. Koehler’s visit to Australia reaffirmed the U.S. – Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, and Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, chief of navy, Royal Australian Navy, right, receive a tour of the housing facilities on the Royal Australian Navy base HMAS Stirling during Koehler’s visit to Perth, Australia, May 25, 2026. Koehler’s visit to Australia reaffirmed the U.S. – Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, and Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, chief of navy, Royal Australian Navy, left, tour the housing facilities on the Royal Australian Navy base HMAS Stirling during Koehler’s visit to Perth, Australia, May 25, 2026. Koehler’s visit to Australia reaffirmed the U.S. – Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, and Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, chief of navy, Royal Australian Navy, right, receive a tour of the gym on the Royal Australian Navy base HMAS Stirling during Koehler’s visit to Perth, Australia, May 25, 2026. Koehler’s visit to Australia reaffirmed the U.S. – Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, receives a tour of the gym on the Royal Australian Navy base HMAS Stirling during his visit to Perth, Australia, May 25, 2026. Koehler’s visit to Australia reaffirmed the U.S. – Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, receives a tour of the future site of the U.S. Navy Exchange on the Royal Australian Navy base HMAS Stirling during his visit to Perth, Australia, May 25, 2026. Koehler’s visit to Australia reaffirmed the U.S. – Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, meets with Sailors assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 26 during his visit to Perth, Australia, May 25, 2026. Koehler’s visit to Australia reaffirmed the U.S. – Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, not pictured, visited Kings Park in Perth, Australia, on May 25, 2026, to view a plaque given to the state of Western Australia by U.S. Navy Adm. James D. Watkins, commander in chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, in 1982. Koehler’s visit to Australia reaffirmed the U.S. – Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left; Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, chief of navy, Royal Australian Navy, center; and Cmdr. Mick Doncaster, international engagement, RAN headquarters, review a plaque in Kings Park given to the state of Western Australia in 1982 by Adm. James D. Watkins, commander in chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, during Koehler’s visit to Perth, Australia, May 25, 2026. Koehler’s visit to Australia reaffirmed the U.S. – Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center; Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, chief of navy, Royal Australian Navy, left; and Cmdr. Mick Doncaster, international engagement, RAN headquarters, review a plaque in Kings Park given to the state of Western Australia in 1982 by Adm. James D. Watkins, commander in chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, during Koehler’s visit to Perth, Australia, May 25, 2026. Koehler’s visit to Australia reaffirmed the U.S. – Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left; Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, chief of navy, Royal Australian Navy, right; and Cmdr. Mick Doncaster, international engagement, RAN headquarters, review a plaque in Kings Park given to the state of Western Australia in 1982 by Adm. James D. Watkins, commander in chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, during Koehler’s visit to Perth, Australia, May 25, 2026. Koehler’s visit to Australia reaffirmed the U.S. – Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, and Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, chief of navy, Royal Australian Navy, pose for a photo with a plaque in Kings Park given to the state of Western Australia in 1982 by Adm. James D. Watkins, commander in chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, during Koehler’s visit to Perth, Australia, May 25, 2026. Koehler’s visit to Australia reaffirmed the U.S. – Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, not pictured, visited Kings Park in Perth, Australia, on May 25, 2026, to view a plaque given to the state of Western Australia by U.S. Navy Adm. James D. Watkins, commander in chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, in 1982. Koehler’s visit to Australia reaffirmed the U.S. – Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

Koehler’s visit to Australia reaffirmed the U.S. – Australia alliance remains a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the region, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.