AUS: Chief of the Defence Force visits United States Pacific Command

Adm. Locklear (left) Gen. Hurley (right) [File Photo]

The Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley, has formally accepted an invitation to embed two senior Australian Defence officers in the United States Pacific Command Headquarters in Honolulu.

General Hurley said appointing an Australian Defence Force Officer as the Deputy Director Strategic Planning and Policy, and a Defence Australian Public Service officer as the Deputy Director Intelligence was an extension of Australia’s long-standing regional cooperation with the United States.

“These two embed positions will provide increased opportunities for our personnel to work together on security issues of common interest. It will also allow us to deepen our cooperation, particularly through multilateral exercises with a range of allies and partners,” he said.

General Hurley visited United States Pacific Command this week where he met with Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, Commander United States Pacific Command. During bilateral discussions General Hurley addressed Australia’s commitment to continued cooperation on security matters throughout the Asia Pacific region, including through enhanced practical cooperation in northern Australia and the importance of working with regional partners to build cooperation and capacity in the region.

General Hurley also met with component commanders of the United States Navy, Army, Air Force and Marine Corps in the Pacific and held discussions at the Asia-Pacific Centre for Security Studies on Australia’s security policy and interests in the Asia Pacific.

AUS DoD