Rear Adm. Shoshana Chatfield, Commander, Joint Region Marianas, received Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Vice Adm. Tatsuhiko Takashima, Commander, Fleet Submarine Force, and Rear Adm. Jimmy Pitts, Commander, Submarine Group 7 at the JRM headquarters in Asan April 8.
Chatfield, along with other Navy and Marine Corps leadership, briefed Takashima on Department of Defense capabilities progress toward the Marine relocation under the Defense Policy Review Initiative (DPRI) on the island, and the strategic maritime importance of the region.
“This visit to Joint Region Marianas by Vice Adm. Takashima demonstrates our continued partnership with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force,” said Chatfield. “Our alliance is critical to our ability to safeguard the region and ensures we will continue to have a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Chatfield also discussed the collaborative efforts of our partners in maintaining peace and stability in the region, and a mutual interest in a rules-based international order where all nations can develop together through free and fair economic activity.
During the visit, Takashima viewed U.S. ships, facilities and sites on island including ship repair, quality-of-life facilities for submariners and partnership opportunities in the region.
“Our visit to Joint Region Marianas was very helpful in maintaining our alliance and gaining a better understanding of the United States’ maritime capabilities for our nations,” said Takashima. “The ability to keep an open discussion of our partnership activities and national defense objectives is
vital to our entire region.”
