U.S. Naval Forces/Navy Region Japan Conducts Executive Steering Committee Meeting in Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan – Leadership from U.S. Naval Forces/Navy Region Japan (CNFJ/CNRJ) convened an Executive Steering Committee (ESC) meeting on August 13-14, 2025, at the New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo. This high-level gathering brought together commanding officers, command master chiefs, and senior enlisted leaders from U.S. naval installations across Japan. The primary objective was to address command and control challenges to enhance support for the fleet, service members, and their families.
The Executive Steering Committee serves as a vital platform for regional leaders to share insights, successes, and strategies pertinent to Navy Region Japan’s mission, which prioritizes operational readiness and family support. “This forum allowed us to exchange valuable experiences and identify best practices in line with our core values,” commented Ms. Maureen Smith, Executive Director of CNFJ/CNRJ. The discussions focused on creating actionable solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of Navy installations throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Rear Admiral Ian Johnson, Commander of CNFJ/CNRJ, opened the meeting by underscoring the naval leadership’s dedication to managing complex challenges effectively. “Our mission requires us to confront complex challenges head-on,” Rear Adm. Johnson noted. “Assessing our needs, designing solutions, and implementing them purposeful is essential. Such conferences strengthen trust and keep us focused on maintaining readiness across the region.”
A central theme of the meeting was the “Get Real, Get Better” initiative, a Navy-wide effort aimed at enhancing leadership and problem-solving capacities. Capt. Jeremy Lyons, Commanding Officer of Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa, emphasized the significance of this initiative by stating, “It encourages us to conduct an honest self-assessment and act decisively to improve. This mindset, combined with the ESC’s ability to align resources, ensures NAF Misawa continues to deliver effectively to the fleet and our joint partners.”
The agenda also addressed installation-specific challenges and accomplishments in supporting the fleet. Capt. Lyons, who assumed command of NAF Misawa in July, took the opportunity to highlight pressing needs and advocate for required resources. “The Executive Steering Committee is our opportunity to close the gap between requirements and resources,” he explained. “It directly impacts our operational readiness and the overall mission success.”
CNFJ/CNRJ’s core responsibilities include ensuring shore readiness for the fleet, liaising with the Japanese government, and strengthening partnerships with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The Navy installations under CNRJ’s purview encompass critical locations, including Atsugi, Misawa, Okinawa, Sasebo, Yokosuka, Diego Garcia, and Singapore. The outcomes of the ESC meeting could have lasting implications for both operational effectiveness and community engagement for the U.S. Navy in the region.
As the U.S. Navy continues to navigate the evolving dynamics of the Indo-Pacific theater, such strategic meetings play a crucial role in sustaining operational readiness and promoting the well-being of service members and their families.
