Rear Admiral Jack Steer, the Chief Defence of New Zealand(left), listens as U. S. Pacific Command Commander, U. S. Navy Admiral Robert F. Willard answer questions at the 12th annual Chiefs of Defense Conference on Oct. 29 at the Ko Olina Marriott in Kapolei, Hawaii. The purpose of the conference is to bring senior military leaders within the Asia-Pacific region together to discuss security challenges, improve relationships and foster security cooperation. A total of 22 countries attended the conference.