WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Mike Gilday is set to embark on his first visit to the Navy's 7th fleet, the U.S. Navy said in a statement on Friday.

Gilday will visit Japan and South Korea between Sept. 22 and 25, with plans to meet with U.S. Navy troops and government and military officials of the two countries.

"Hearing from Fleet Sailors directly is one of my top priorities," said Gilday. "This trip will allow me to hear their concerns, and consequently shape our vision for the Navy going forward."

The trip will be his first visit to the 7th fleet since assuming office on Aug. 22.

The 7th Fleet is U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet with 50 to 70 ships and submarines, 140 aircraft and approximately 20,000 sailors. It operates in the Western Pacific as well as parts of the Indian Ocean, according to the statement. Enditem

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