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US Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Mike Gilday, hosted Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy, Rear Admiral David Proctor, at the Pentagon with a focus on enhancing the bilateral security relationship.
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The US Navy and the RNZN operate together routinely around the world. Currently, the US 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.
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.
ADM Gilday said, "The Royal New Zealand Navy is a trusted defence partner and friend, and we greatly value the contributions and capabilities they bring to the maritime domain."
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.
"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," ADM Gilday said.
This is ADM Gilday’s first visit with RADM Proctor.
RADM Proctor was born in Napier, New Zealand, and joined the RNZN as a Midshipman in January 1987.
He assumed the role of Chief of Navy on 29 November 2018 following numerous senior positions within the New Zealand Defence Force, including Deputy Commander Joint Forces New Zealand and acting Vice Chief of Defence Force from July to September 2018.
RADM Proctor has held a number of senior logistics posts during his career, including operational logistics appointments at sea and overseas. His operational service includes a deployment to the Solomon Islands and being appointed Chief of Logistics, United Nations Mission and the New Zealand Senior National Officer in Support of East Timor.
