USSTRATCOM Commander Hosts Japanese Defense Chief

U.S. Navy Adm. Cecil D. Haney, U.S. Strategic Command commander, hosted Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Adm. Katsutoshi Kawano, Japan’s Joint Staff chief of staff, July 12-13, during his visit to the United States.

Collaboration with the U.S. is “the foundation of self-defense” for Japan, Kawano said.

“I believe it is my duty to promote the Japanese-U.S. alliance,” he added. “The Japan-U.S. pact contributes not only to peace and stability in the region, but all over the world.”

Kawano’s visit occurred after Haney’s recent trip to the Asia-Pacific region in June, where he met with senior military and civilian leaders from the U.S., Japan and the Republic of Korea, expanding upon enduring relationships there.

“Japan is one of our staunch allies, and our partnership with them is very important to the strategic stability in the Asia-Pacific region,” Haney said.

While here, Kawano toured the local area with senior leaders from USSTRATCOM and the 55th Wing. He also attended mission briefings where he and subject matter experts discussed topics of mutual interest, including strategic deterrence, space and cyber missions.

“Strategic threats including those in cyber and space increasingly pose challenges not only to national, but to international security,” Haney said. “Our alliance with Japan, one of our staunch allies, along with other partners in the Pacific region, is vital to strategic stability.”

Both Haney’s trip to the Asia-Pacific region and Kawano’s visit here support a mutual effort to confront the broad range of global strategic challenges.

Kawano said the close working relationship between the two leaders dates back to Haney’s assignment as U.S. Pacific Command commander, where they worked together on a regular basis and developed a close bond.

He also noted that although Japan and the U.S. fought against each other in World War II, the two nations are now “tomodachi,” which means “friends” in Japanese.

“We have really come a long way after 70 years, and it is due to the efforts of the people of Japan and the people of the United States,” Kawano said. “We would like to continue this good relationship.”