PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii — A new leader took over at the U.S. Pacific Fleet on Friday as Adm. Cecil Haney, former deputy of the U.S. Strategic Command, replaced Adm. Patrick Walsh, who is retiring.
Haney, a former submarine squadron commander, told about 900 people at the change-of-command ceremony that he plans to build on the foundation Walsh nurtured as he takes over the helm in an area that stretches from the U.S. West Coast to the Indian Ocean.
Haney said he will work with the other military services to support U.S. Pacific Command to enhance “maritime security and freedom of the seas with the talented men and women of Pacific Fleet and our allies and partners,” according to a Pacific Fleet news release.
He comes to Hawaii from Nebraska, where the Strategic Command is located at an air base outside Omaha. The Strategic Command has responsibility for the nation’s nuclear forces, including long-range missiles carried aboard submarines and bombers, and land-based missiles capable of striking around the globe.
Walsh, who is retiring after 34 years of active duty service, leaves with the confidence that the Pacific Fleet is in good hands.
“If ever there was a person who’s ready for the challenge to assume command of the Pacific Fleet, it’s Cecil Haney,” Walsh said. “He’s had a sterling career filled with many challenging assignments. He knows the Pacific.”
Haney, the former deputy of the U.S. Strategic Command, became the 33rd Pacific Fleet commander since the fleet was established in 1941.
“I am grateful and honored to be standing here before you and remain in awe of the opportunities our United States Navy and this nation has provided me,” Haney said. “Given the rich history and importance of this area of responsibility, I will do my utmost to serve you and especially the sailors, civilians and families that make up the U.S. Pacific Fleet.”
The U.S. Pacific Fleet is headquartered in Hawaii and is responsible for more than half the world’s surface, from the West Coast of the United States to the Indian Ocean. It commands approximately 180 ships, 2,000 aircraft and 125,000 sailors and Marines, as well as civilian personnel.
Haney, a former submarine squadron commander, told about 900 people at the change-of-command ceremony that he plans to build on the foundation Walsh nurtured as he takes over the helm in an area that stretches from the U.S. West Coast to the Indian Ocean.
Haney said he will work with the other military services to support U.S. Pacific Command to enhance “maritime security and freedom of the seas with the talented men and women of Pacific Fleet and our allies and partners,” according to a Pacific Fleet news release.
He comes to Hawaii from Nebraska, where the Strategic Command is located at an air base outside Omaha. The Strategic Command has responsibility for the nation’s nuclear forces, including long-range missiles carried aboard submarines and bombers, and land-based missiles capable of striking around the globe.
Walsh, who is retiring after 34 years of active duty service, leaves with the confidence that the Pacific Fleet is in good hands.
“If ever there was a person who’s ready for the challenge to assume command of the Pacific Fleet, it’s Cecil Haney,” Walsh said. “He’s had a sterling career filled with many challenging assignments. He knows the Pacific.”
Haney, the former deputy of the U.S. Strategic Command, became the 33rd Pacific Fleet commander since the fleet was established in 1941.
“I am grateful and honored to be standing here before you and remain in awe of the opportunities our United States Navy and this nation has provided me,” Haney said. “Given the rich history and importance of this area of responsibility, I will do my utmost to serve you and especially the sailors, civilians and families that make up the U.S. Pacific Fleet.”
The U.S. Pacific Fleet is headquartered in Hawaii and is responsible for more than half the world’s surface, from the West Coast of the United States to the Indian Ocean. It commands approximately 180 ships, 2,000 aircraft and 125,000 sailors and Marines, as well as civilian personnel.
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