WASHINGTON, D.C –
Vice Chairman Spokesperson Major Joshua J. Pena provided the following readout:
General Christopher J. Mahoney, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Australian Chief of Navy, at the Pentagon, 1 May 2026. The leaders discussed the enduring strength of the U.S.-Australia alliance, which for more than 70 years has advanced shared security interests and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. They emphasized the importance of the alliance—anchored in the ANZUS Treaty—in enhancing deterrence, accelerating defense innovation, and ensuring interoperability across domains.
Vice Admiral Hammond highlighted Australia's National Defence Strategy and Integrated investment Program 2026, which continues the transformation of the Australian Defence Force into a more integrated, focused, and technologically advanced force. He noted Australia’s planned acquisition of Japanese Mogami-class frigates and the establishment of the Royal Australian Navy’s Maritime Autonomous Systems Unit to advance uncrewed capabilities. Both leaders underscored opportunities to expand naval cooperation, deepen defense industrial integration in support of AUKUS, and strengthen collaboration to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.