WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday hosted Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Rear Adm. David Proctor, at the Pentagon for a meeting, Jan. 23.

The leaders discussed opportunities for greater mutual support in advancing the two nations’ shared values, goals, and security interests, particularly, in the area of maritime domain awareness.

“The Royal New Zealand Navy is a trusted defense partner and friend, and we greatly value the contributions and capabilities they bring to the maritime domain,” said Gilday.  “Combined with a robust constellation of allies and partners, we are operating toward the same end - continued security, stability and prosperity that results in a free and open global maritime commons.  I am confident our meeting today will further advance our navies’ commitment to do just that.” 

The U.S. Navy and the RNZN operate together routinely around the world. Currently, the U.S. Navy and Royal New Zealand Air Force are in the Seventh Fleet area of operations participating in Operation Sea Dragon alongside the Royal Australian Air Force, the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, and the Republic of Korea Navy.

Sea Dragon is a multi-lateral anti-submarine warfare exercise that improves the interoperability elements required to effectively and cohesively respond to the defense of a regional contingency in the Indo-Pacific, while continuing to build and strengthen relationships held between nations.

This is Gilday’s first visit with Proctor.

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