Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Robert Burke welcomed Deputy Chief of Navy for the Royal Australian Navy to Naval Support Facility in Arlington, Virginia, Thursday, to discuss personnel issues affecting both navies.

Rear Adm. Michael Noonan and members of his staff met with Burke and the Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education leadership team for an official counterpart visit as part of the annual Strategic Workforce Personnel Steering Group.

During the visit Burke lauded the Royal Australian Navy and thanked Noonan for being a great ally and friend of the United States Navy.

"We are grateful that our partners from the Royal Australian Navy are here to discuss personnel issues that affect both our navies," said Burke. "We are committed to further strengthening the
defense cooperation between the U.S. and Australia, and our hope is that these talks will further expand our robust collaboration and cooperation."

During the two-day bilateral talks, Burke discussed Sailor 2025, the Navy's inclusion and diversity efforts, and the new performance evaluation system that is currently being developed. The Royal Australian Navy shared details of their total workforce model, retention incentives and inclusion and diversity efforts within their service.

The two leaders pledged to continue their dialogue on shared interests.

As the deputy chief of navy, Noonan holds the second most senior appointment in the Royal Australian Navy and is responsible to the Chief of Navy.

As the chief of naval personnel, Burke answers to the Chief of Naval Operations on matters of the Navy's manpower readiness. He also serves as the deputy chief of naval operations (Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education/N1) and oversees the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Navy Personnel Command, Naval Education and Training Command, and Navy Recruiting Command.

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