During Exercise Kakadu 2026, Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Chris Smith hosted the Fleet Commander's Conference at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney.

Held on March 22, the conference brought together more than 30 senior delegates, including those from 19 participating nations, to consider the idea that 'strength at sea equals security and prosperity at home'.

"From protecting our shores and access to the sea, to guarding vital maritime infrastructure, our maritime forces are critical to our respective nations' security and prosperity," Rear Admiral Smith said.

"This forum gives us the opportunity to share our successes and reflect on our challenges, as we chart a course to a more stable and prosperous region."

The conference began in earnest, with Rear Admiral Smith delivering a thought-provoking address.

"Our conference theme is 'Strength at sea equals security and prosperity at home'," he said.

"Through this topic, we will consider our practical and economic reliance on maritime trade and resource exploitation, and the importance of good order at sea."

Other guest speakers included Vice Admiral Goka Yoshihiro, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Commander Fleet Escort Force; and Republic of Fiji Navy Commander Fleet Operations, Commander Joseva Tunidau; as well as marine archaeologist from the Sea Power Centre, Commander Mick de Ruyter, RAN. 

'Our economic wellbeing, and indeed our way of life, depends on free and unfettered access to the sea.'

Vice Admiral Goka spoke to Australia and Japan's enduring friendship and evolving strategic partnership.

"Since I enlisted 30 years ago, the JMSDF has been working increasingly towards the peace and stability of this region,” Vice Admiral Goka said.

“In this context, I believe it is critically important for us to cooperate with our allied and partner countries, such as Australia and the United States, who share the same values as Japan.

“The Royal Australian Navy is a very reliable partner, with highly advanced skills and professionalism, and in the near future, Japan and Australia will enhance our cooperation.”

Several Australian academics presented to the forum. 

Associate Professor Adam Lockyer, of the School of International Studies at Macquarie University, spoke on the forum topic; and Anna Chung, of the Australian National University, discussed undersea cables and their importance as arteries of Asia, and the Pacific.

“Australia’s maritime responsibilities are enormous,” Rear Admiral Smith said.

“Our search and rescue area is almost one tenth on the earth’s surface, and our economic exclusion zone covers more than 8.2 billion kilometres.”

Rear Admiral Smith added that strength at sea was not a slogan.

“It is a strategic reality, an operational necessity, and a shared responsibility. It connects directly to national resilience, sovereignty, and the protection of shared interests,” he said.

“Our economic wellbeing, and indeed our way of life, depends on free and unfettered access to the sea.

“When you can’t assume it, we must assure it.

“Our maritime challenges are interconnected. No nation can address them alone.”