President of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Command and Staff College Visits U.S. Naval War College

Vice Adm. Ishimaki Yoshiyasu, president of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Command and Staff College, visited the U.S. Naval War College (NWC) in Newport, Rhode Island, on Sept. 18-19, 2025.

During the visit, Ishimaki met with NWC Provost Dr. Stephen J. Mariano for an office call, delivered a lecture to students and faculty about the JMSDF and the strategic importance of supply lines in the Indo-Pacific, and attended a dinner with NWC President Rear Adm. Darryl Walker.

Ishimaki is a 2012 graduate of the NWC’s Naval Command College program.

“It was an honor and pleasure to host Vice Adm. Ishimaki here in Newport,” said Walker. “Together, U.S. and Japanese maritime forces make up a united, interoperable and interchangeable team, capable of responding to any threat or crisis anywhere in the world. That interoperability starts with institutions like the JMSDF Command and Staff College and our U.S. Naval War College, where our countries’ warfighters learn the foundations necessary to execute joint combined operations across all domains with seamless efficiency and maximum effect. Having Vice Adm. Ishimaki here allows us to maintain the already strong bonds between our colleges and ensure alignment between our programs.”

Established in 1884, NWC informs today’s decision-makers and educates tomorrow’s leaders by providing educational experiences and learning opportunities that develop their ability to anticipate and prepare strategically for the future, strengthen the foundations of peace, and create a decisive warfighting advantage.