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From left to right: Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Adm. Kim Kyung-ryul, chief of naval operations, Republic of Korea Navy, and Adm. Akira Saito, chief of staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), pose for a photo prior to a trilateral dinner in Seoul, April 15, 2026. During the trilateral dinner at the ROKN chief of naval operations' official residence in Seoul, the three admirals discussed ways to collaborate among the ROKN, USN, and JMSDF to deter and enhance interoperability. The U.S., Japan, and ROK are committed to defending vital interests against shared threats by promoting security cooperation, improving information sharing, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, and deterring aggression. (Photo courtesy of the Republic of Korea Navy)