Photo By Staff Sgt. Christopher McCullough | Maj. Gen. James F. Pasquarette, deputy commanding general, U.S. Army, Pacific, stands...... read more read more
Subscribe
FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — Maj. Gen. James F. Pasquarette received his final honors as U.S. Army, Pacific Deputy Commanding General during an honors ceremony held at historic Palm Circle May 28, however he will not be too far removed from the USARPAC ohana.
Pasquarette moves on after serving two years at USARPAC, first as chief of staff and finishing his tour as deputy commanding general.
Pasquarette, a tall man in stature, comes across as having a gruff demeanor at first, however, his approachable personality and witty sense of humor quickly replace any apprehensive feelings Soldiers and leaders may have before meeting the general.
He spent his final week in Richardson Hall, USARPAC’s headquarters building, closing out a few open projects, saying his goodbyes, and preparing someone close to him to fill his shoes.
“[Maj.] Gen. McCaffrey is a great friend and a good officer, he’ll be great for this position,” said Pasquarette, with obvious admiration for his friend.
Even though Pasquarette is leaving Hawaii, his move is not a complete loss to USARPAC. He and his family are preparing to continue their journey in the Pacific theater in Japan.
Before Pasquarette departed, USARPAC commander, Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, shared a few kind words about the exiting deputy commanding general.
“We are better for having served with you, and your family will always be remembered with fondness and shared experiences as we go forward,” said Brooks.
As Pasquarette transitions to his new duty station, he will serve in a dual-slotted command position where he will assume command of U.S. Army Japan and I Corps (Forward) in August.
“Being able to stay in Hawaii was professionally rewarding and personally enjoyable,” he said. “I couldn’t have found some of these countries on a map without somebody helping me a year ago. Now, I have a greater appreciation of the dynamics in the Pacific; relationships really do matter. I’ve gotten to know some of the key leaders that will help me at my next job when I go to U.S. Army Japan.”
Pasquarette reflected on a 32-year military career he didn’t expect to have.
“I’ve never thought I would hang around this long,” he said. “It’s been a movement to contact since I’ve been a lieutenant. But then [the Army] gets into your blood and you’re hooked. It’s something that my wife and I have enjoyed, it’s still an adventure, and we still honored.”
He also appreciated the opportunities he had, both as the chief of staff and deputy commanding general.
“It’s been an exciting time to be here in the U.S. Army Pacific—with the growth of the staff over time that has become very mature and more senior in some of the positions,” he said. “I’m proud of my time out here and my contributions. I feel privileged to have served with great leaders and Soldiers here. It’s a great command environment here that has been established by Gen. Brooks.”
Pasquarette said he was ready to move forward in Japan and continue to build upon the already established relationships with the forces in Japan.
“My experience [in Hawaii] will help me as I move to Japan,” said Pasquarette. “I’m replacing a great commander, Maj. Gen. Jim Boozer, I know that he will have set the table for me to come in and take over for him. There’s value in retaining talent in the Pacific and managing it and keeping it here.”
| Date Taken: | 05.28.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.02.2015 22:07 |
| Story ID: | 165284 |
| Location: | HONOLULU, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 193 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, It’s not goodbye, but konnichiwa, by Kyle Richardson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
