260604-N-EI127-1073

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)