Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir visited the U.S. Naval War College, in Newport, R.I. and addressed to students and faculty. According to US Embassy Spokesman, Bashir was greeted upon arrival in Rhode Island by the President of the Naval War College, Rear Adm. Phil Wisecup. Introducing Bashir to the college's faculty and approximately 600 resident students, Wisecup noted that it was a special and rare opportunity to hear from an international navy chief. Bashir spoke on the role of the Pakistan Navy in enhancing regional maritime security. "This was a wonderful occasion for our students to listen to the perspectives of an important international maritime partner," said Wisecup. "It's essential for the upcoming leaders of our nation's military to be able to understand the views and efforts of our partners and consider the opportunities for cooperation as we all promote security and prosperity in the maritime domain." Following Bashir's address, he answered questions from the audience. He commented on his meetings with various U.S. military and government officials throughout his ten-day visit to the United States, which was at the invitation of the U.S. Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead. Bashir said the experience is valuable for moving forward, achieving the common objective and developing further understanding. He also expressed belief in the importance of interaction at all levels of the military. Bashir met afterwards with Pakistan naval officers, who are students at the Naval War College and the neighboring Surface Warfare Officer School. Currently, three Pakistan naval officers are part of the more than 100 international officers, who were handpicked by their nations to study in Newport alongside their U.S. colleagues. Eighty-six Pakistan officers have graduated from the Naval War College's international programs, many attaining the level of flag rank. The college's international programs were established more than 50 years ago to help form greater mutual understanding and enhance trust and confidence among friends and partners, the kind of interaction at all levels Bashir was advocating. Bashir's ten-day program included visits to the Pentagon, U.S. Central Command, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Stations Mayport and Norfolk, the United States Naval Academy, and a U.S. think tank. His meetings focused on opportunities for coordination and cooperation between the U.S. and Pakistan navies.