Source: United States Navy
Today, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday met with Chief of the French Navy Adm. Pierre Vandier; Chief of Italian Navy Adm. Enrico Credendino; and Royal Navy First Sea Lord Adm. Ben Key aboard the Italian navy training ship ITS Amerigo Vespucci.
Much of the discussion focused on maritime security challenges and the need for increased interoperability. Leaders noted that the ongoing Trans-Regional Seapower Symposium and today’s meeting provide an opportunity to exchange views about security challenges, discuss current and future threats, and deepen strong friendships, partnerships, and alliances.
Gilday thanked Credendino for hosting the meeting, as well as offered his sincere appreciation to Marina Militare for their leadership in the security and stability of the wider Mediterranean region. Gilday also expressed appreciation for tri-lateral carrier operations earlier this year.
Gilday and Vandier emphasized the importance of interoperability and modernization, while highlighting USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) upcoming operations with a French destroyer during Ford’s maiden deployment.
Adm. Gilday thanked Key for his commitment to advance and strengthen maritime partnerships and work toward becoming truly interchangeable.
Gilday also thanked the three leaders in their relentless efforts to provide and strengthen maritime security.
Gilday reaffirmed the U.S. Navy’s commitment to trans-regional unity and to sustaining strong relationships with our Allies and partners. He emphasized that maritime partnership is the foundation for mutual prosperity and security, and that by working together we will continue to defend freedom, preserve economic prosperity and keep the seas open and free.