Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson held a video teleconference (VTC), July 27 with Admiral Yutaka Murakawa, Chief of Staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. During the call, the two discussed new ways to expand and deepen bilateral and multilateral maritime operations, the situation in North Korea and the East China Sea, and the commitment of the U.S. to our allies in the region. Richardson specifically stressed the importance of the U.S.-Japan partnership in supporting maritime security in the region and across the globe. The two admirals share a close friendship. They last spoke during Richardson's visit to Japan in June. Prior to that, Richardson spoke to Murakawa in May during the Republic of Singapore Navy's 50th anniversary celebration and via VTC in February. For more news from the Chief of Naval Operations, visit http://www.navy.mil/cno/