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SLIDESHOW | images | 250204-N-ES994-1008 Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met with Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Adm. Jirapol Wongwit, at the Pentagon, Feb. 4, 2025. During the counterpart visit, the two leaders discussed plans to build interoperability and strengthen the alliance between their two navies. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Elliott Fabrizio)

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SLIDESHOW | images | 250205-N-AV754-1055 NORFOLK, Va. (Feb. 05, 2025) Cmdr. Hector Marin, commanding officer of the Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779), left, greets Adm. Jirapol Wongwit, Commander-in-Chief, Royal Thai Navy, left, and Vice Adm. John Gumbleton, commander, Task Force 80 and deputy commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, for a tour of the submarine, February 5, 2025. The Chief of Naval Operations routinely invites foreign counterparts, Heads of Navy, as official guests of the U.S. Navy to visit the United States for general orientation and familiarization with the U.S. Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Evan Thompson/Released)

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SLIDESHOW | images | 250204-N-RU810-1033 WASHINGTON (Feb. 4, 2025) Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare, Director of Naval Intelligence Vice Adm. Karl Thomas meets with Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Adm. Jirapol Wongwit, at the Pentagon Feb. 4, 2025. During the visit, the two leaders discussed plans to build interoperability and strengthen the alliance between their two navies. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Vincent E. Zline)

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SLIDESHOW | images | 250204-N-RU810-1011 WASHINGTON (Feb. 4, 2025) Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Installations and Logistics Vice Adm. Jeffery Jablon meets with Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Adm. Jirapol Wongwit, at the Pentagon Feb. 4, 2025. During the visit, the two leaders discussed plans to build interoperability and strengthen the alliance between their two navies. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Vincent E. Zline)

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SLIDESHOW | images | 250204-N-OK726-1029 Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti hosts a full-honor’s welcoming ceremony for Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Adm. Jirapol Wongwit at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington D.C., Feb. 4, 2025. During the counterpart visit, the two leaders discussed plans to build interoperability and strengthen the alliance between their two navies. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist William Spears)

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SLIDESHOW | images | 250205-N-AV754-1133 NORFOLK, Va. (Feb. 05, 2025) Vice Adm. John Gumbleton, commander, Task Force 80 and deputy commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) and Adm. Jirapol Wongwit, Commander-in-Chief, Royal Thai Navy, participate in a gift exchange during a visit to USFFC, February 5, 2025. The Chief of Naval Operations routinely invites foreign counterparts, Heads of Navy, as official guests of the U.S. Navy to visit the United States for general orientation and familiarization with the U.S. Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Evan Thompson/Released)

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SLIDESHOW | images | 250204-N-ES994-1034 Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met with Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Adm. Jirapol Wongwit, at the Pentagon, Feb. 4, 2025. During the counterpart visit, the two leaders discussed plans to build interoperability and strengthen the alliance between their two navies. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Elliott Fabrizio)

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti hosted Adm. Jirapol Wongwit, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) for an official counterpart visit, Feb. 3-5. 

Jirapol’s trip to Washington D.C. was part of a five-day trip to the United States, that also included stops in Annapolis, Md., and Norfolk, Va., where the delegation visited Navy commands and spoke with Navy leaders and Sailors.

“The U.S. and Thailand have enjoyed 191 years of friendly and diplomatic relations,” said Franchetti. “Thailand's support to our Navy-Marine Corps team builds our interoperability and strengthens peace and security throughout the Indo-Pacific.”

Jirapol began his trip visiting the U.S. Naval Academy, where he met with Superintendent Vice Adm. Yvette Davids and participated in a wreath laying ceremony.

Franchetti hosted Jirapol for a full-honors welcoming ceremony and an office call, where she discussed the Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy, highlighting the value of strong cooperation with Allies and partners.

During their office call, Franchetti and Jirapol discussed the importance of strengthening the RTN, building interoperability and combined participation in exercises such as Cobra Gold and CARAT Thailand (Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training).  

While in Washington D.C., Jirapol also conducted an office call with the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith, and Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. 10th Fleet, Vice Adm. Craig Clapperton.

“I greatly thank Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Gen. Eric Smith, and all the senior U.S. Navy officials for their honorable welcome with exceptional hospitality,” said Jirapol. “This is the first time in 13 years since RTN leadership has had an office call with the Chief of Naval Operations. During the visiting, we had in-depth exchange of view to understand each other’s strategic standpoint and to enhance common view on maritime domain awareness for future cooperation, as well as to validate our shared interests and challenges in order to narrow the gap between Bangkok and Washington D.C..”

He added, “Our invaluable relationship has been mindfully preserved to reach 191 years. Our engagement transmits common intent to prolong and strengthen lasting friendship.”

Jirapol and the RTN representatives traveled to Norfolk to visit with leadership from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, tour USS New Mexico (SSN 779) and Norfolk’s Submarine Learning Facility. 

Thailand is a major non-NATO ally, one of five U.S. treaty allies in the Indo-Pacific, and a leader within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).