US Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Koehler arrives in Colombo
COLOMBO – Admiral Steve ‘Web’ Koehler, Commander of the US Pacific Fleet, is set to arrive in Colombo on Thursday (19) on a three-day visit that will see high-level engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation and regional security ties.
He is scheduled to meet with senior Sri Lankan government officials and military leaders to discuss advancing collaboration in maritime security, promoting regional stability, and enhancing interoperability between the armed forces of Sri Lanka and the US.
The US Pacific Fleet, the world’s largest naval fleet command, operates across the Indo-Pacific region, safeguarding critical sea lanes and fostering partnerships that underpin global trade and security. Officials said the visit underscores Washington’s recognition of Sri Lanka’s strategic position along key international maritime routes.
This marks Admiral Koehler’s second visit to Sri Lanka, reflecting what US officials describe as a sustained commitment to deepening defence relations and supporting a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
The visit also reaffirms the longstanding US-Sri Lanka security partnership, with a focus on strengthening maritime domain awareness, countering transnational threats, and building transparent, mutually beneficial defence cooperation.
A 1986 graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder, Koehler was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps and designated a naval aviator in 1989. He has logged more than 3,900 flight hours and 600 carrier landings in the F-14 Tomcat and F/A-18 Super Hornet.
Over a career spanning operational and strategic assignments at sea and ashore, he has commanded multiple aviation squadrons, amphibious and aircraft carrier strike groups, and U.S. 3rd Fleet, supporting major operations across the Middle East, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific. He assumed command of the US Pacific Fleet on April 4, 2024.
-ENCL
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