Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson traveled to the 5th Fleet area of operations (AOR) to review Navy support of Operation Inherent Resolve and meet with Sailors.

"I really was coming here to flesh out and enhance my role as one of the joint chiefs," said Richardson. "Being the CNO, I wanted to get a chance to see how our Navy team is doing out here as part of the joint force."

As a Service Chief, CNO is responsible for training, manning, and equipping U.S. Navy Forces provided to combatant commanders. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), CNO retains statutory responsibility to provide his best military advise to the president, the National Security Council, and Homeland Security Council. Information gained and lessons learned during the trip will help Richardson in both capacities.

The trip began in Bahrain, where CNO, met with 5th Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Kevin Donegan for a discussion of naval operations in the region.

CNO's next stop was to the Combined Air Operations Center in Al Udied Air Base, Qatar to review the Navy's air support in the fight against ISIL.

In Baghdad, CNO met with State Department officials and members of the interagency team serving in Iraq.

The trip concluded in Irbil, Iraq, where CNO met with Sailors and service members supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

Richardson praised the work being done by U.S. forces and the collaboration occurring across all services.

"There's a lot of focus on ISIL or Daesh--a very adaptive, creative enemy--persistent and determined, but in Iraq, there is clear indication of progress against that enemy," said Richardson.

The name 'Inherent Resolve' reflects the unwavering resolve and deep commitment of the U.S. and partner nations in the region and around the globe to eliminate the terrorist group ISIL and the threat they pose to Iraq, the region and the wider international community.

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