READOUT: Pacific Fleet Commander’s travel to Bangladesh, Aug. 4-6.

06 August 2026

From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visited Dhaka, Aug. 4-6, 2026, to reaffirm the deepening partnership between the United States and Bangladesh, and our long-term commitment to the stability and security of the region.

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U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, meets with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during his visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

The visit reflects more than 50 years of bilateral defense ties and a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. While in Bangladesh, Koehler met with senior government and military officials to discuss regional maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and opportunities to expand naval cooperation.

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center, and U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, right, meet with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during Koehler’s visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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, and U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, right, meet with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during Koehler’s visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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, meets with AKM Shamsul Islam, defence advisor to the Bangladesh prime minister, during his visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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 left, meets with AKM Shamsul Islam, defence advisor to the Bangladesh prime minister, center right, during his visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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 Vice Adm. Khondkar Misbah ul Azim, chief of the naval staff, Bangladesh Navy, during his visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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; U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, right; and Vice Adm. Khondkar Misbah ul Azim, chief of the naval staff, Bangladesh Navy, left; meet during Koehler’s visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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. Khondkar Misbah ul Azim, chief of the naval staff, Bangladesh Navy, pose for a photo during his visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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; U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, left; and Vice Adm. Khondkar Misbah ul Azim, chief of the naval staff, Bangladesh Navy; meet during Koehler’s visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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, meets with Vice Adm. Khondkar Misbah ul Azim, chief of the naval staff, Bangladesh Navy, right, and officers of the Bangladesh Navy during his visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

Bangladesh Vice Adm. Khondkar Misbah ul Azim, chief of the naval staff, Bangladesh Navy, left, greets U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, during his visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, signs the guest book at the Bangladesh Navy headquarters during his visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, 3rd from left; U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center left; and Vice Adm. Khondkar Misbah ul Azim, chief of the naval staff, Bangladesh Navy, center right; pose for a photo with their staffs during Koehler’s visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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 U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 5, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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 U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen converse during his arrival to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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 U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen converse during his arrival to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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 Bangladesh Ambassador to the U.S. Tareq Md Ariful Islam during his visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Bangladesh Air Commodore Md Zahir Uddin, commanding officer, Bangladesh Air Force Base A K Khnadker, converse during his arrival to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

Bangladesh Air Commodore Md Zahir Uddin, commanding officer, Bangladesh Air Force Base A K Khnadker, right, greets U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, as he arrives in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

The meetings included:

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman
AKM Shamsul Islam, defence advisor to the Bangladesh prime minister
Vice Adm. Khondkar Misbah ul Azim, chief of the naval staff, Bangladesh Navy
Mr. Brent T. Christensen, U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh

From left to right, front row: U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Mrs. Gina Koehler; U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen; and Mrs. Deanne Christensen; pay respects during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Skikha Anirban (Eternal Flame) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. The flame was created to keep alive the memory of the martyred members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War of Bangladesh. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

From left to right, front row: U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Mrs. Gina Koehler; U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen; and Mrs. Deanne Christensen pay respects during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Skikha Anirban (Eternal Flame) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. The flame was created to keep alive the memory of the martyred members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War of Bangladesh. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open 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 U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen render honors during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Skikha Anirban (Eternal Flame) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. The flame was created to keep alive the memory of the martyred members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War of Bangladesh. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open 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 U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, right, lay wreaths during a ceremony at the Skikha Anirban (Eternal Flame) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. The flame was created to keep alive the memory of the martyred members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War of Bangladesh. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open 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 U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Skikha Anirban (Eternal Flame) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. The flame was created to keep alive the memory of the martyred members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War of Bangladesh. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

From left to right, front row: U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Mrs. Gina Koehler sign the guest book after a wreath-laying ceremony at the Skikha Anirban (Eternal Flame) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. The flame was created to keep alive the memory of the martyred members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War of Bangladesh. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

While in Dhaka, Koehler participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Skikha Anirban (Eternal Flame). The flame was created to pay tribute to the members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces who gave their lives during the 1971 Liberation War.

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, center left, delivers remarks during a reception hosted by the Bangladesh Navy during his visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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 reception hosted by the Bangladesh Navy during his visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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 U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, right, listen as Vice Adm. Khondkar Misbah ul Azim, chief of the naval staff, Bangladesh Navy, delivers remarks during a reception hosted by the Bangladesh Navy during Koehler’s visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Mrs. Gina Koehler, left, observe as a Bangladesh Navy orchestra performs during a reception hosted by the Bangladesh Navy during their visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 4, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

Koehler delivered remarks during a reception hosted by the Bangladesh Navy where he discussed Bangladesh’s participation in various naval exercises including the next Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise to be held in Bangladesh in November. He also invited the Bangladesh Navy to take part in the next Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), the world’s largest maritime exercise, in summer 2028.

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, receives a tour of the historic Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka, Bangladesh, during his visit to Dhaka, Aug. 5, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

From left to right: U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, Mrs. Deanne Christensen, U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Mrs. Gina Koehler receive a tour of the historic Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 5, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Mrs. Gina Koehler receive a tour of the historic Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka, Bangladesh, during their visit to Dhaka, Aug. 5, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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 historic Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka, Bangladesh, during his visit to Dhaka, Aug. 5, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

From left to right: Mrs. Gina Koehler, U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, and Mrs. Deanne Christensen receive a tour of the historic Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 5, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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 U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen pose for a photo during a tour of the historic Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka, Bangladesh, during Koehler’s visit to Dhaka, Aug. 5, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Mrs. Gina Koehler sign the guest book at the historic Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka, Bangladesh, during their visit to Dhaka, Aug. 5, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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 with members of the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh Marine Security Guard detachment during his visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 5, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, converses with Staff Sgt. Bethenie Modesto, assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh Marine Security Guard detachment, during his visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 5, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

U.S. Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, coins Lance Cpl. Isaiah Villalobos, assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh Marine Security Guard detachment, during his visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 5, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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 members of the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh Marine Security Guard detachment during his visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 5, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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 U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen pose for a photo with members of the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh Marine Security Guard detachment during his visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 5, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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 with Lance Cpl. Ruben Koomey, assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh Marine Security Guard detachment, during his visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 5, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (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, speaks with members of the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh Marine Security Guard detachment during his visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 5, 2026. Koehler traveled to Bangladesh to strengthen the enduring U.S.-Bangladesh defense partnership and advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy R. Boan)

Koehler also visited the 17th-century historic Lalbagh Fort where he toured the restored Hammam Khana and the U.S. Embassy’s preservation efforts in protecting Bangladesh's rich cultural heritage. He also spoke with members of the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh Marine Security Guard detachment.

The visit to Bangladesh reaffirmed the United States' long-term commitment to strengthening bilateral relationships and partnerships that advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Pacific Fleet delivers combat-ready naval forces to defend the homeland and U.S. interests, provide credible deterrence, and strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships to ensure a secure and prosperous region.