Chief of Staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Fleet
Rear Admiral Akira Saito, Surface Warfare and Gunnery specialist was commissioned on Mar 1989, in the Japan Maritime Self- Defense Force. He is an alumnus of the National Defense Academy, Yokosuka, and the U.S. Naval War College, Newport. He has also attended the prestigious Transnational Security Cooperation Course at the Asia Pacific Centre for Security Studies, Hawaii, United States. His educational qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations. In his most recent assignment, he was a superintendent of the Maritime Officer Candidate School, Etajima, famous for red-brick buildings, from Aug 2017 to Aug 2018. He was in charge of managing the education and training programs for more than 500 midshipmen. The Admiral has held several key shore appointments in his naval career including the Commanding Officer of JS Isoyuki (DD-127), Commander of Escort Division 14, and Escort Flotilla 1. In addition, he has also served as the Weapons Officer of JS Murasame (DD-101). His important shore appointments include Chief of Plans and Programs Section (N5), Director of Education Division and Assignment Division (N2), MSO. He has also served as Chief of Staff, Fleet Escort Force (N3). The officer is a good swimmer and also fond of physical exercise. He goes to a gym regularly. He is married and has a daughter who works in Japan.
Indo-Pacific Allies and Partners
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM PT