190118-N-ES994-2009 TOKYO (Jan. 18, 2019) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson, right, meets with Japanese Vice Minister of Defense Kenji Harada to further strengthen military ties between the United States and Japan. Richardson reaffirmed the U.S. Navy's commitment to maintaining security cooperation with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and broadening and strengthening global maritime awareness and access with Japan and the region. The U.S. Navy and the JMSDF routinely conduct combined maritime exercises and operate together to promote peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Elliott Fabrizio/Released)