An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.



 

READOUT: Pacific Fleet Commander’s Travel to California, June 1-5

09 June 2026

From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, traveled to California to attend the annual Aviation Flag Officer Training Symposium (AVFOTS), conduct ship visits, and meet with local U.S. Navy leaders and Sailors, June 1-5, 2026.
Download Icon Download
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Keith Hash, commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), right, and Dan Carreño, executive director, NAWCWD, pose for a photo with aircraft and equipment used for weapons testing during a visit to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, June 2, 2026. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Keith Hash, commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), right, and Dan Carreño, executive director, NAWCWD, pose for a photo with aircraft and equipment used for weapons testing during a visit to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, June 2, 2026. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Keith Hash, commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), right, and Dan Carreño, executive director, NAWCWD, pose for a photo with aircraft and equipment used for weapons testing during a visit to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, June 2, 2026. 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 Christopher Sypert)
260602-N-TT369-1122
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Keith Hash, commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), right, and Dan Carreño, executive director, NAWCWD, pose for a photo with aircraft and equipment used for weapons testing during a visit to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, June 2, 2026. 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 Christopher Sypert)
Download Image
Image Details
Photo By: Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Sypert
VIRIN: 260602-N-TT369-1122


The multi-day visit to California underscored U.S. Pacific Fleet’s mission to build combat readiness and persistently employ dynamic naval combat power, in concert with the Joint Force, in order to defend the homeland and U.S. interests throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, receives an overview of squadron operations from U.S. Navy Capt. David Halpbern, commander, Naval Test Wing Pacific, left, and Dan Carreño, executive director, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, during a visit to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, June 2, 2026. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, receives an overview of squadron operations from U.S. Navy Capt. David Halpbern, commander, Naval Test Wing Pacific, left, and Dan Carreño, executive director, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, during a visit to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, June 2, 2026. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, receives an overview of an F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 31, from Dan Carreño, executive director, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, right, during a visit to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, June 2, 2026. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, receives an overview of an F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 31, from Dan Carreño, executive director, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, right, during a visit to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, June 2, 2026. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, receives an overview of EA-18 Growler, assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 31, from U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Keith Hash, commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), right, and Dan Carreño, executive director, NAWCWD, during a visit to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, June 2, 2026. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, receives an overview of EA-18 Growler, assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 31, from U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Keith Hash, commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), right, and Dan Carreño, executive director, NAWCWD, during a visit to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, June 2, 2026. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, receives an overview of an, F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 31, from U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Keith Hash, commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), left, and Dan Carreño, executive director, NAWCWD, during a visit to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, June 2, 2026. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, receives an overview of an, F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 31, from U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Keith Hash, commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), left, and Dan Carreño, executive director, NAWCWD, during a visit to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, June 2, 2026. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, receives an overview of an L-band radar signal emulator from Mike Powell, director of advanced concepts, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, left, during a visit to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, June 2, 2026. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, receives an overview of an L-band radar signal emulator from Mike Powell, director of advanced concepts, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, left, during a visit to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, June 2, 2026. 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 Christopher Sypert)


Koehler began his visit at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, where he received briefings on the development and testing of next-generation maritime weapons systems. Tours of the station’s aviation facilities centered on the advanced capabilities necessary to support the air wing of the near future, highlighting how cutting-edge technology and accelerated weapon integration are vital to securing a sustained competitive advantage across the Indo-Pacific. 

260603-N-VR794-1078 From left, Commander, Naval Air Forces, Vice Adm. Douglas Verissimo; Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Samuel J. Paparo; Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Adm. Steve Koehler; Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Adm. Karl Thomas; and spouses pose for a photo with flag officers at the Aviation Flag Officer Training Symposium (AVFOTS), at Naval Air Station North Island, California, June 3, 2026. Attendees participated in discussions focused on sustaining Naval Aviation’s warfighting advantage through improvements in readiness, maintenance, technology, force development and integration across the Naval Aviation Enterprise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Peer)
260603-N-VR794-1078 From left, Commander, Naval Air Forces, Vice Adm. Douglas Verissimo; Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Samuel J. Paparo; Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Adm. Steve Koehler; Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Adm. Karl Thomas; and spouses pose for a photo with flag officers at the Aviation Flag Officer Training Symposium (AVFOTS), at Naval Air Station North Island, California, June 3, 2026. Attendees participated in discussions focused on sustaining Naval Aviation’s warfighting advantage through improvements in readiness, maintenance, technology, force development and integration across the Naval Aviation Enterprise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Peer)
From left to right, Vice Adm. Douglas Verissimo, commander of Naval Air Forces, Adm. Stephen Koehler, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Adm. Karl Thomas, commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, attend the Aviation Flag Officers Training Symposium in San Diego, California, June 4, 2026. Attendees discussed a variety of topics related to Naval Aviation, including the future capabilities and support needed to maintain overmatch with evolving adversaries. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John Bellino)
From left to right, Vice Adm. Douglas Verissimo, commander of Naval Air Forces, Adm. Stephen Koehler, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Adm. Karl Thomas, commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, attend the Aviation Flag Officers Training Symposium in San Diego, California, June 4, 2026. Attendees discussed a variety of topics related to Naval Aviation, including the future capabilities and support needed to maintain overmatch with evolving adversaries. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John Bellino)


Koehler then traveled to Naval Air Station North Island to attend AVFOTS. The symposium brought together senior Naval Aviation leadership to discuss priorities, current readiness, and the future integration of advanced aviation capabilities within the joint forces. Koehler and U.S. Navy Adm. Karl Thomas, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, delivered a brief to align aviation leadership to national strategic objectives, emphasizing the critical role that Naval Aviation plays in maintaining deterrence and ensuring maritime superiority. 

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, is greeted by U.S. Navy Cmdr. George Bright, executive officer of Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), during a visit to the ship, June 4, 2026. While aboard Ashland, Koehler spoke with command leadership and recognized Sailors for excellence. The 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 Joshua Martinez)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, is greeted by U.S. Navy Cmdr. George Bright, executive officer of Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), during a visit to the ship, June 4, 2026. While aboard Ashland, Koehler spoke with command leadership and recognized Sailors for excellence. The 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 Joshua Martinez)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, speaks with U.S. Navy Cmdr. Adam Peeples, commanding officer of the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), center, and U.S. Navy Cmdr. George Bright, executive officer of Ashland, during a visit to the ship, June 4, 2026. While aboard Ashland, Koehler spoke with command leadership and recognized Sailors for excellence. The 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 Joshua Martinez)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, speaks with U.S. Navy Cmdr. Adam Peeples, commanding officer of the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), center, and U.S. Navy Cmdr. George Bright, executive officer of Ashland, during a visit to the ship, June 4, 2026. While aboard Ashland, Koehler spoke with command leadership and recognized Sailors for excellence. The 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 Joshua Martinez)
Sailors assigned to the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) salute as U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, is rung aboard, June 4, 2026. While aboard Ashland, Koehler spoke with command leadership and recognized Sailors for excellence. The 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 Joshua Martinez)
Sailors assigned to the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) salute as U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, is rung aboard, June 4, 2026. While aboard Ashland, Koehler spoke with command leadership and recognized Sailors for excellence. The 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 Joshua Martinez)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, speaks with U.S. Navy Cmdr. Adam Peeples, commanding officer of the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), during a visit to the ship, June 4, 2026. While aboard Ashland, Koehler spoke with command leadership and recognized Sailors for excellence. The 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 Joshua Martinez)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, speaks with U.S. Navy Cmdr. Adam Peeples, commanding officer of the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), during a visit to the ship, June 4, 2026. While aboard Ashland, Koehler spoke with command leadership and recognized Sailors for excellence. The 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 Joshua Martinez)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, commends Sailors assigned to Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during his visit to Naval Base San Diego, June 4, 2026. Koehler visited the ship to recognize the crew's exceptional professionalism, teamwork, and stewardship during their recent deployment to U.S. 7th Fleet. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, commends Sailors assigned to Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during his visit to Naval Base San Diego, June 4, 2026. Koehler visited the ship to recognize the crew's exceptional professionalism, teamwork, and stewardship during their recent deployment to U.S. 7th Fleet. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, commends Sailors assigned to Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during his visit to Naval Base San Diego, June 4, 2026. Koehler visited the ship to recognize the crew's exceptional professionalism, teamwork, and stewardship during their recent deployment to U.S. 7th Fleet. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, commends Sailors assigned to Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during his visit to Naval Base San Diego, June 4, 2026. Koehler visited the ship to recognize the crew's exceptional professionalism, teamwork, and stewardship during their recent deployment to U.S. 7th Fleet. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, meets with U.S. Navy Cmdr. Adam Peeples, commanding officer, Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during his visit to Naval Base San Diego, June 4, 2026. Koehler visited the ship to recognize the crew's exceptional professionalism, teamwork, and stewardship during their recent deployment to U.S. 7th Fleet. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, meets with U.S. Navy Cmdr. Adam Peeples, commanding officer, Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during his visit to Naval Base San Diego, June 4, 2026. Koehler visited the ship to recognize the crew's exceptional professionalism, teamwork, and stewardship during their recent deployment to U.S. 7th Fleet. 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 Christopher Sypert)


While in San Diego, Koehler visited Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) to recognize the crew's exceptional professionalism, teamwork, and stewardship during their recent operations in U.S. 7th Fleet. Ashland and embarked Marines from I Marine Expeditionary Force made up Task Force Ashland (TF Ashland) and participated in the 45th iteration of Exercise Cobra Gold, the largest joint military exercise in mainland Asia, and the 40th iteration of Exercise Balikatan, an annual exercise focused on the long-standing alliance between the Philippines and the United States. These exercises involved complex scenarios, such as combined-arms live-fire events, amphibious operations, and disaster response training, conducted alongside our allies and partners.

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center left, meets with the triad of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106), during Koehler’s visit to Naval Base San Diego, June 5, 2026. Koehler visited the ship to recognize the crew's exceptional professionalism, resiliency, and combat readiness during their recent deployment to U.S. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center left, meets with the triad of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106), during Koehler’s visit to Naval Base San Diego, June 5, 2026. Koehler visited the ship to recognize the crew's exceptional professionalism, resiliency, and combat readiness during their recent deployment to U.S. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, receives a tour of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale’s (DDG 106) “Medal of Honor P-Way” from U.S. Navy Cmdr. Jacob Beckelhymer, commanding officer, DDG 106, during Koehler’s visit to Naval Base San Diego, June 5, 2026. Koehler visited the ship to recognize the crew's exceptional professionalism, resiliency, and combat readiness during their recent deployment to U.S. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, receives a tour of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale’s (DDG 106) “Medal of Honor P-Way” from U.S. Navy Cmdr. Jacob Beckelhymer, commanding officer, DDG 106, during Koehler’s visit to Naval Base San Diego, June 5, 2026. Koehler visited the ship to recognize the crew's exceptional professionalism, resiliency, and combat readiness during their recent deployment to U.S. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, commends U.S. Navy Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) 2nd Class Bridgette Housey, assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale’s (DDG 106), for her work during an engineering plant light-off on Naval Base San Diego, June 5, 2026. Koehler visited the ship to recognize the crew's exceptional professionalism, resiliency, and combat readiness during their recent deployment to U.S. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, commends U.S. Navy Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) 2nd Class Bridgette Housey, assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale’s (DDG 106), for her work during an engineering plant light-off on Naval Base San Diego, June 5, 2026. Koehler visited the ship to recognize the crew's exceptional professionalism, resiliency, and combat readiness during their recent deployment to U.S. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, commends U.S. Navy Information Systems Technician Seaman Diego Avantmier, assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale’s (DDG 106), for his selection to the Naval Academy Preparatory School, during Koehler’s visit to Naval Base San Diego, June 5, 2026. Koehler visited the ship to recognize the crew's exceptional professionalism, resiliency, and combat readiness during their recent deployment to U.S. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, commends U.S. Navy Information Systems Technician Seaman Diego Avantmier, assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale’s (DDG 106), for his selection to the Naval Academy Preparatory School, during Koehler’s visit to Naval Base San Diego, June 5, 2026. Koehler visited the ship to recognize the crew's exceptional professionalism, resiliency, and combat readiness during their recent deployment to U.S. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, commends U.S. Navy Electronics Technician 3rd Class Ginno Barbarini, assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale’s (DDG 106), left, for his work aboard the ship during Koehler’s visit to Naval Base San Diego, June 5, 2026. Koehler visited the ship to recognize the crew's exceptional professionalism, resiliency, and combat readiness during their recent deployment to U.S. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, commends U.S. Navy Electronics Technician 3rd Class Ginno Barbarini, assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale’s (DDG 106), left, for his work aboard the ship during Koehler’s visit to Naval Base San Diego, June 5, 2026. Koehler visited the ship to recognize the crew's exceptional professionalism, resiliency, and combat readiness during their recent deployment to U.S. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, commends U.S. Navy Retail Services Specialist 3rd Class Ezekiel Koroma, assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale’s (DDG 106), right, for his work aboard the ship during Koehler’s visit to Naval Base San Diego, June 5, 2026. Koehler visited the ship to recognize the crew's exceptional professionalism, resiliency, and combat readiness during their recent deployment to U.S. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets. 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 Christopher Sypert)
U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, commends U.S. Navy Retail Services Specialist 3rd Class Ezekiel Koroma, assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale’s (DDG 106), right, for his work aboard the ship during Koehler’s visit to Naval Base San Diego, June 5, 2026. Koehler visited the ship to recognize the crew's exceptional professionalism, resiliency, and combat readiness during their recent deployment to U.S. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets. 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 Christopher Sypert)


Koehler also visited Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) to meet with leadership and commend the crew for their combat readiness and resiliency as they recently returned after successful operations in U.S. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets. The courage and integrity displayed by the crew throughout their deployment directly honored the legacy of their ship's namesake, Vice Adm. James Stockdale, a Medal of Honor recipient who demonstrated extraordinary heroism as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.

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. 
 
  




















 
Guidance-Card-Icon Dept-Exclusive-Card-Icon