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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)