Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle traveled more than 18,000 miles across the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility during a multi-stop visit to Australia and Singapore, underscoring the U.S. Navy’s enduring commitment to allies, partners and forward-deployed forces in the region.

The trip began in Sydney, Australia, on March 19, where Caudle joined dozens of naval leaders from around the world in celebrating the 125th birthday of the Royal Australian Navy.

During the visit, he met with Australia’s chief of navy, Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, to discuss deepening maritime cooperation and enhancing interoperability between the two navies.

“Our alliance with Australia is built on more than shared interests, it’s built on shared values, trust and decades of operating side by side,” Caudle said. “As we look to the future, our ability to integrate seamlessly across domains ensures we remain ready to meet any challenge together.”

In Singapore, Caudle attended a senior leader engagement with the Republic of Singapore’s chief of navy, Rear Adm. Sean Wat, reinforcing the importance of regional partnerships in maintaining stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.

“Singapore is a vital maritime partner at the crossroads of global commerce,” Caudle said. “Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, where the rule of law prevails and all nations can prosper.”

While in Perth, Australia, Caudle met with U.S. Consul General Colleen Altstock, highlighting the critical role of diplomatic and military coordination in advancing U.S. interests abroad.

During his travels, Caudle also engaged directly with Sailors assigned to USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62) and USS Tulsa (LCS-16), recognizing their professionalism and the essential role they play in maintaining a forward presence.

“Our forward-deployed Sailors are the backbone of our Navy’s ability to operate where it matters, when it matters,” Caudle said. “Their dedication, resilience and warfighting readiness send a clear message of commitment to our allies and deterrence to potential adversaries.”

Caudle also toured HMAS Stirling, where he received updates on infrastructure upgrades, quality-of-service improvements and maintenance enhancements designed to support continued port visits by U.S. Navy submarines. The changes observed since Caudle’s last visit in 2024 were impressive and represent a significant step forward in achieving the milestones of the AUKUS agreement.

“The investments being made at HMAS Stirling demonstrate our shared resolve to ensure maritime security and stability across the Indo-Pacific,” Caudle said. “Together, we are building a more integrated and capable force that can respond to evolving challenges and meet emerging threats head on.”

Production facilities operated by Anduril Industries and Saronic Technologies were also on Caudle’s itinerary, where he was briefed on ongoing development in autonomous surface and subsurface platforms.

The engagements highlighted the growing interest in advanced technologies in enhancing maritime awareness, expanding operational reach and accelerating the ability to integrate unmanned systems into the future fleet.

“Autonomous systems are rapidly changing the character of naval warfare,” Caudle said. “Our partnerships with innovative industry partners help us move faster, think differently and deliver the capabilities our Sailors need to maintain a decisive advantage at sea.” These technologies are examples of the tailored offsets described in Caudle’s recently released U.S. Navy Fighting Instructions.

The 10-day trip highlighted the U.S. Navy’s differentiated value to the Joint Force and the nation through ongoing efforts to strengthen alliances and partnerships, enhance interoperability and maintain a credible forward presence across the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. Navy, forward-deployed and globally integrated, operates alongside allies and partners to ensure security, deter aggression and uphold the free flow of commerce that underpins global prosperity.

For more information, contact the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs.