US Pacific Fleet Chief Visits Cambodia to Bolster Maritime Ties

PHNOM PENH, 8 August 2026 — The commander of the US Pacific Fleet, Admiral Steve Koehler, has visited Cambodia for talks with senior military and government officials focused on strengthening maritime security cooperation between the two countries. Adm Koehler visited Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville on 6 and 7 August, according to the US Pacific Fleet. In Phnom Penh, he held talks with senior Cambodian military officials, including the commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, General Vong Pisen, and the commander of the Royal Cambodian Navy, Vice Admiral Tea Sokha. He also met Rear Admiral Mey Dina, commander of Ream Naval Base, and the US charge d’affaires in Cambodia, Aleks Zittle. The talks covered military-to-military engagement, maritime security and opportunities to expand cooperation between the US and Cambodian navies. In Sihanoukville, Adm Koehler toured facilities at Ream Naval Base, including accommodation, training, medical and pier facilities. He and Cambodian officials also discussed recent visits by US Navy littoral combat ships to Cambodia, including the USS Cincinnati in January 2026 and the USS Savannah in December 2024. Further discussions focused on possible future naval visits, professional military education and training, and cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster response. The US Pacific Fleet said the visit reflected Washington’s long-term commitment to its relationship with Cambodia and to strengthening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. The visit comes as countries across the region seek to deepen cooperation on maritime security and regional stability.