MUARA, Wednesday, 16 September 2026 — Admiral Stephen T. “Web” Koehler, Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet, paid an official visit to the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) from 15 to 16 September 2026, accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Gina Koehler, and members of the United States delegation.
During the visit, Admiral Koehler undertook a series of official engagements with senior leadership of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and the Royal Brunei Navy, reaffirming the strong and enduring defence relationship between Brunei Darussalam and the United States.
Admiral Koehler first called on the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Yang Mulia Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan, at the Ministry of Defence before proceeding to Muara to visit USS CANBERRA and the United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) EMLEN TUNNELL.
Upon arrival at the Royal Brunei Navy Headquarters, Admiral Koehler was accorded a Guard of Honour before calling on Yang Mulia First Admiral Sahibul Bahari bin Haji Zainal Abidin, Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy. During the meeting, both commanders exchanged views on maritime security cooperation and avenues to further strengthen bilateral defence ties. The visit also featured a plaque and coin exchange, followed by a parchment-signing ceremony to commemorate the occasion.
Admiral Koehler was later hosted to lunch by the Commander RBN and the RBN Executive Board, providing an opportunity for senior officers from both navies to further exchange views and strengthen professional ties, followed by a customary exchange of gifts.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Koehler participated in a separate programme with spouses of senior RBN officers, which included visits to the Arts and Handicraft Centre and Kampong Ayer.
The delegation departed Brunei on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, with a farewell send-off led by the Fleet Commander RBN, Yang Mulia Captain Sonny Iskandar bin Rasani, RBN, and spouse, at the Air Movement Centre, Royal Brunei Air Force.
The visit underscores the close and long-standing defence relationship between Brunei Darussalam and the United States. The Royal Brunei Navy and the United States Pacific Fleet continue to engage regularly through a wide range of bilateral and multilateral activities, including exercises, professional exchanges and high-level engagements. These interactions enhance operational professionalism, strengthen mutual understanding and interoperability, and foster enduring professional relationships between both navies.
