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US Chief of Naval Operations hosts VADM Noonan with focus on Indo-Pacific

US Chief of Naval Operations hosts VADM Noonan with focus on Indo-Pacific
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday, center, welcomes Vice Adm. Michael Noonan, Chief of Royal Australian Navy, left, with a full honors ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard (Source: US NavyMass Communication Specialist 1st Class Raymond D. Diaz III)

US Navy Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mike Gilday hosted Chief of the Royal Australian Navy Vice Admiral Michael Noonan as part of a formal counterpart visit to discuss expanding interoperability, maritime security and efforts in the Indo-Pacific.

US Navy Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mike Gilday hosted Chief of the Royal Australian Navy Vice Admiral Michael Noonan as part of a formal counterpart visit to discuss expanding interoperability, maritime security and efforts in the Indo-Pacific.

During the two-day visit that included a full honours ceremony and discussions between the Australian delegation and senior US Navy leadership, the two leaders focused on expanding and strengthening maritime security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. 

ADML Gilday said, “Australia is a great friend and our alliance is an anchor of peace and stability. Our two navies have worked together and fought together for more than 100 years and security cooperation has always been a cornerstone of our alliance. I look forward to the next 100 years working alongside the Royal Australian Navy.”

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From the Arabian Gulf, where the two navies operate as part of the International Maritime Security Construct, to the Pacific, where they conduct operations like the Enforcement Coordination Cell, the two partners regularly work together to promote security and stability around the globe.

Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, said, “The important partnership between the Royal Australian Navy and the US Navy is underpinned by our shared history, mutual respect and our commitment to the maintenance of global maritime security.”

Additionally, the two navies conduct frequent cooperative deployments and operate together during high-end exercises like Talisman Sabre 2019, the largest bilateral exercise with more than 34,000 military personnel participating from Australia and the United States.

“Our strong alliance underscores continued cooperation of our navies to increase interoperability, through exercises, operations, information sharing, capability development and building people-to-people links,” VADM Noonan said. 

VADM Noonan added, “I look forward to continuing to work with ADML Gilday to further our shared commitment to a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region.”

During the visit, ADML Gilday also noted the continued cooperation with Australia to build future fleets that are interchangeable so that the two navies can operate more closely together.

“We are excited for the future and are honoured to work with the Royal Australian Navy day in and day out to preserve free and open maritime commons,” ADML Gilday said. 

A significant demonstration of this is the employment of the Aegis Combat System on board the soon-to-be commissioned Hobart Class air warfare destroyer, HMAS Sydney (DDG 42).

“Going forward, we will continue to explore ways to strengthen our relationship and more effectively respond to challenges together, both regionally and around the world,” ADML Gilday added.

Stephen Kuper

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.