Photo By Tech. Sgt. Michael Holzworth | Neil Abercrombie, governor of Hawaii, congratulates Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III...... read more read more
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Story By U.S. Pacific Command Public Affairs
HONOLULU – Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III succeeded Adm. Robert F. Willard as the Pacific Command commander in a ceremony at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, March 9.
"I'm extremely privileged to assume this command that is well-led, well-organized and is a superbly purposed command, a command that has clear strategic intent and clear direction from our nation's leadership," said Locklear. "Adm. Willard has masterfully charted a course to help us navigate the dynamic 21st century's security environment, and as any good naval officer, I expect a smooth transition from his hand on the helm to mine," he said.
Locklear arrives after relinquishing his role as the U.S. Naval Forces Europe commander, in which he also served concurrently as the U.S. Naval Forces Africa commander and NATO Allied Joint Force Command Naples commander.
A host of guests came to celebrate the event, including key speaker Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta. During his remarks, Panetta expressed the importance of the Pacific region and the partnerships and relationships between militaries.
"In this region, we don't just need a great warrior; we also need, in a commander, a great diplomat. Bob [Willard] has demonstrated the power of relationships. How to turn those relationships into partnerships, into alliances, and how to turn those partnerships into true and lasting friendships," said Panetta. " The U.S. has long been the security partner of choice in the pacific region and thanks to Bob's leadership of PACOM. Our country's important role as a Pacific power has not only endured, it has grown stronger."
Willard praised the men and women serving at Pacific Command.
"I can't possibly express my full appreciation to U.S. Pacific Command 330,000 uniformed and civilian personnel who supported our effort here and across half the world in the past two and a half years," said Willard.
"To the soldiers, sailors, airman and marines and special operations who man the brigades, strike groups, wings, expeditionary units, platoons and individual augment missions that are really the forward face of the Pacific and Pacific Command and who, for more than a decade, have shared rotations into and out of Iraq and Afghanistan with the rest of the our nation's joint forces, it's been my profound honor to serve you," he said.
Willard reminisced how much he and his wife, Donna, enjoyed their military service as a family.
"Almost 39 years, where did they go... I remember my dad telling me once that as we get older, time seems to accelerate, and then our memories make it all happen [as though it were] just yesterday and I'm not sure I was buying it at the time, but I am now," said Willard. "And I remember it all; the sight of the F14 Tomcat for the first time as the Navy's newest fighter, the USS Abraham Lincoln as Donna and I strolled down the peer to relinquish command, the smell of a cockpit, the bridge of a ship... Just like it was yesterday. And mostly I recall the sailors, soldiers, airmen and marines."
Locklear provided a glimpse into his vision for the military in the Pacific.
"PACOM is the vanguard of our new U.S. defense strategy... a strategy that clearly recognizes that we are a Pacific nation with significant national interests, key allies and partners throughout the Asia-Pacific region. We will expand our networks of cooperation with emerging partners who ensure the security of our common interests, continue to invest in long term strategic partnerships with those nations who have the ability or the willingness to serve as the regional economic anchors through providers of security in this critical region," said Locklear. "We will work to preserve peace, and deter and defend against provocations throughout this region. We'll promote a rules based international order that ensures stability and encourages the peaceful rise of new powers, economic growth and constructive defense cooperation."
"Of course, as we have always done with this command, we remain vigilant, well-trained, proficiently resourced and we will always be ready for the unexpected, but most importantly, we will take care of our most precious assets, our magnificent people and their families," he continued.
As Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, Locklear will be the senior U.S. military authority responsible for approximately 330,000 military and civilian personnel, or one-fifth of the total U.S. military strength assigned to the command, throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Locklear also commanded Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn aboard the command ship USS Mount Whitney to help enforce the U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973 to protect the Libyan people from the country’s ruler in 2011.
His personal decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal with one gold star, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with four gold stars, Bronze Star Medal, and numerous individual, Campaign and Unit awards.
| Date Taken: | 03.09.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 03.09.2012 23:22 |
| Story ID: | 85030 |
| Location: | HONOLULU, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 374 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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