READOUT: Pacific Fleet Commander’s Travel to Republic of the Philippines July 9-11, 2025

14 July 2025

From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

MANILA, Philippines – Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, traveled to the Republic of the Philippines alongside Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, July 9-11, 2025 to reaffirm the steadfast and enduring U.S.-Philippine alliance which is critical to advancing the two countries’ shared interests, signaling unwavering resolve, and aligning efforts to preserve regional stability.

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Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, meets with Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, at Camp Aguinaldo in Manila, Philippines, July 10, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

During his visit to the Philippines, Koehler met with senior Armed Forces of the Philippines officials and U.S. officials to discuss shared security concerns, including maritime security and humanitarian assistance/disaster response.

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right; Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon, commander, Armed Forces Intelligence Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines, middle left; and Captain Julien B. Dolor, assistant chief of staff for operations, Naval Reserve Command, Philippine Navy, conduct a pass-in-review at Camp Aguinaldo in Manila, Philippines, July 10, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, and Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon, commander, Armed Forces Intelligence Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines, render honors during a pass-in-review at Camp Aguinaldo in Manila, Philippines, July 10, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, and Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon, commander, Armed Forces Intelligence Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines, render honors during a pass-in-review at Camp Aguinaldo in Manila, Philippines, July 10, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, middle left, and his staff pose for a photo with Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, middle right, and his staff at Camp Aguinaldo in Manila, Philippines, July 10, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, and Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon, commander, Armed Forces Intelligence Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), render honors to AFP servicemembers following a meeting with Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of staff, AFP, at Camp Aguinaldo in Manila, Philippines, July 10, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, meets with U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines MaryKay L. Carlson during his trip to Manila, Philippines, July 11, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, meets with U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines MaryKay L. Carlson during his trip to Manila, Philippines, July 11, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right; Vice Adm. Jose Ezpeleta, flag officer-in-command, Philippine Navy, left; and Capt. Benjo F. Negranza, Director, Naval Public Affairs Office of the Philippine Navy; conduct a pass-in-review at the Philippine Navy Headquarters in Manila, Philippines, July 10, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, middle left; and Vice Adm. Jose Ezpeleta, flag officer-in-command, Philippine Navy, render honors during a pass-in-review at the Philippine Navy Headquarters in Manila, Philippines, July 10, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, meets with Vice Adm. Jose Ezpeleta, flag officer-in-command, Philippine Navy, at the Philippine Navy Headquarters in Manila, Philippines, July 10, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, poses for a photo with Vice Adm. Jose Ezpeleta, flag officer-in-command, Philippine Navy, after signing the guest book at the Philippine Navy Headquarters in Manila, Philippines, July 10, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

From the left: Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, fleet master chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Vice Adm. Jose Ezpeleta, flag officer-in-command, Philippine Navy; and Master Chief Petty Officer Rosimalu Galgao, command master chief, Philippine Navy, pose for a photo at the Philippine Navy Headquarters in Manila, Philippines, July 10, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

The meetings in Manila included:

Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.
Flag Officer-in-Command of the Philippine Navy Vice Adm. Jose Ezpeleta
U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines Hon. MaryKay Carlson

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, and his staff meet with Y. Robert Ewing, deputy chief of mission, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, right, and his team during Koehler’s trip to Manila, Philippines, July 9, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Photo has been edited for security purposes. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Thomas Petrucci, president of Subic Drydock Corporation, left, and Terry Watkins, owner of Subic Drydock Corporation, right, brief Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, on the corporation’s capabilities during Koehler’s trip to Subic Bay, Philippines, July 9, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Thomas Petrucci, president of Subic Drydock Corporation, left, and Terry Watkins, owner of Subic Drydock Corporation, right, give a tour of their facility to Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, middle left, his spouse, Gina Koehler, middle right, and his staff during Koehler’s trip to Subic Bay, Philippines, July 9, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, middle, and his spouse, Gina Koehler, left, tour Agila Shipyard during his trip to Subic Bay, Philippines, July 9, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

During the trip, Koehler visited Subic Bay to tour Agila Subic Shipyard and Subic Bay Drydock Corporation. The U.S. and the Philippines, as friends, partners, and allies, will continue to pursue projects and opportunities to plan and train together to support our treaty commitments and shared vision for a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous region.

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, delivers remarks as the keynote speaker during the Pacific Amphibious Leadership Symposium (PALS) closing ceremony in Manila, Philippines, July 10, 2025. PALS brings together senior military leaders from allied and partner nations across the Indo-Pacific to share best practices and strengthen partnerships, which are the cornerstone of regional security, stability and prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

While in Manila, Koehler participated in the 2025 Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium (PALS). This year PALS was co-hosted by MARFORPAC and the Philippine Marine Corps, which brought together senior Marine Corps, naval infantry, and military leaders from allied and partner nations across the Pacific. PALS is the premier forum for leaders to strengthen relationships and share best practices and ideas. These relationships are the cornerstone of regional security, stability, and prosperity.

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, presents a challenge coin to Cpl. Elvis Lopez Soriano while meeting with U.S. servicemembers on a rotational deployment to the Philippines during his trip to Manila, Philippines, July 10, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, meets with U.S. servicemembers on a rotational deployment to the Philippines during his trip to Manila, Philippines, July 10, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, meets with Col. Coby Moran and his team of U.S. servicemembers on a rotational deployment to the Philippines during his trip to Manila, Philippines, July 10, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Following PALS, Koehler and Davis met with U.S. forces rotationally deployed to the Philippines. Koehler reiterated the importance of strengthening the alliance between the armed forces of the U.S. and Philippines by increasing opportunities to enhance interoperability through exercises and integration of technology. Our joint and combined forces continue to work closely to resist coercion, respond to crises, and defend our interests.

A wreath lies in wait for a U.S. Pacific Fleet wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Philippine Heroes’ Cemetery in Manila, Philippines, July 11, 2025. For more than a century, Filipinos and Americans have shared a strong bond rooted in common values and military service. The visit to the Philippines underscored Adm. Steve Koehler’s, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Philippine Heroes’ Cemetery during his trip to Manila, Philippines, July 11, 2025. For more than a century, Filipinos and Americans have shared a strong bond rooted in common values and military service. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Lt. Cmdr. Natalie Widulinski, Philippines desk officer, U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT) and Lt. Cmdr. Douglas Tengler, PACFLT flag aide, position a wreath for Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, PACFLT, during a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Philippine Heroes’ Cemetery in Manila, Philippines, July 11, 2025. For more than a century, Filipinos and Americans have shared a strong bond rooted in common values and military service. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, middle left, and Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, fleet master chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, and staff participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Philippine Heroes’ Cemetery during his trip to Manila, Philippines, July 11, 2025. For more than a century, Filipinos and Americans have shared a strong bond rooted in common values and military service. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, salutes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Philippine Heroes’ Cemetery during a wreath laying ceremony at the memorial in Manila, Philippines, July 11, 2025. For more than a century, Filipinos and Americans have shared a strong bond rooted in common values and military service. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, left, and Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, fleet master chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, salute the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Philippine Heroes’ Cemetery during a wreath laying ceremony at the memorial in Manila, Philippines, July 11, 2025. For more than a century, Filipinos and Americans have shared a strong bond rooted in common values and military service. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, middle; Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, fleet master chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, middle right; and Armed Forces of the Philippines servicemembers salute the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Philippine Heroes’ Cemetery during a wreath laying ceremony at the memorial in Manila, Philippines, July 11, 2025. For more than a century, Filipinos and Americans have shared a strong bond rooted in common values and military service. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, and Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, fleet master chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, conduct a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Philippine Heroes’ Cemetery in Manila, Philippines, July 11, 2025. For more than a century, Filipinos and Americans have shared a strong bond rooted in common values and military service. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Fleet Master Chief Don Davis, fleet master chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, salutes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Philippine Heroes’ Cemetery during a wreath laying ceremony at the memorial in Manila, Philippines, July 11, 2025. For more than a century, Filipinos and Americans have shared a strong bond rooted in common values and military service. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Koehler also participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Philippine Heroes’ Cemetery. The tomb is dedicated to deceased Filipino servicemembers whose remains have not been identified, commemorating their service and sacrifice. For more than a century, Filipinos and Americans have shared a strong bond rooted in common values and military service. Today, that proud legacy continues highlighting the enduring friendship and alliance that has promoted peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, delivers a speech at the Stratbase Institute Conference in Manila, Philippines, July 11, 2025, entitled “9th Year of the Arbitral Victory: Defending the Rules-Based Order through Reinforced Defense Capabilities and Partnerships.”. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, middle, poses for a photo with U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines MaryKay L. Carlson, right, and Professor Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit, president of Stratbase policy think-tank, after delivering a speech at the Stratbase Institute Conference in Manila, Philippines, July 11, 2025, entitled “9th Year of the Arbitral Victory: Defending the Rules-Based Order through Reinforced Defense Capabilities and Partnerships.” The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Patrice Nicole “Chelo” Reyes, a tour and education associate at the Ayala Museum, left, guides Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, middle, and his spouse, Gina Koehler, on a tour of the museum during their visit to Manila, Philippines, July 11, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Patrice Nicole “Chelo” Reyes, a tour and education associate at the Ayala Museum, right, guides Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, on a tour of the museum during his visit to Manila, Philippines, July 11, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, tours the Ayala Museum during his visit to Manila, Philippines, July 11, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Gina Koehler, spouse of Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, tours the Ayala Museum during their visit to Manila, Philippines, July 11, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Patrice Nicole “Chelo” Reyes, a tour and education associate at the Ayala Museum, guides Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, on a tour of the museum during his visit to Manila, Philippines, July 11, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, right, and his spouse, Gina Koehler, tour the Ayala Museum during his visit to Manila, Philippines, July 11, 2025. The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan B. Trejo)

Koehler also gave remarks at the Stratbase Institute Conference entitled “9th Year of the Arbitral Victory: Defending the Rules-Based Order through Reinforced Defense Capabilities and Partnerships.” He spoke about challenges in the South China Sea affecting the entire Indo-Pacific and how the U.S. and its allies and partners have been effective in deterring adversaries in the region.

The visit to the Philippines underscored Koehler’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

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