YOKOSUKA, Japan – Adm. John C. Aquilino, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet conducted an all-hands call for service members at Fleet Activities (FLEACT) Yokosuka Jan. 23.
Aquilino along with Fleet Master Chief James Honea, fleet master chief of U.S. Pacific Fleet, spoke to more than 700 Sailors at the FLEACT Yokosuka Fleet Theater.
The all-hands call was part of a larger trip to Japan to meet with senior leadership of the U.S. Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force and to speak to senior members of the Japanese government.
“We’re here today to talk to you about what we’re doing at Pacific Fleet and what I’m going to ask of each and every one of you,” said Aquilino.
Aquilino said one reason for his visit was to provide assurance and empower the warfighter.
“I have watched the 7th Fleet operate, the 3rd Fleet operate, the 5th Fleet operate and I am ready to take on all comers,” said Aquilino. “One of the reasons [Honea] and I are here today is to make sure that you all have the same confidence that we do.”
During the all-hands call, Sailors asked questions about training, manning, safety and the direction of future operations.
“We have to continue to evolve,” said Aquilino. “Every time a strike group deploys, the lessons learned from that ship get sent back and our training programs get adjusted.”
Sailors who attended the event said it was nice to interact with top leadership.
“Having leadership come out to show that they’re interested in what our Sailors are doing is great,” said Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class Kyndall Serrano-Kirk of FLEACT Yokosuka’s Ikego detachment. “They’re making sure that we are prepared for anything that might arise.”
As Aquilino finished speaking he reaffirmed his confidence in the Sailors of Yokosuka.
“I am confident you are executing to perfection,” said Aquilino. “You should be confident and proud of the work you are doing out here.”
As commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, Aquilino advances Indo-Asia-Pacific regional maritime security and enhances stability. He is the 36th commander since the fleet’s Pearl Harbor headquarters was established in Feb. 1941.