01 June 2015 – Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, accompanied by Philippine Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin and other Philippine defense officials, attended the Change of Command of the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) and United States Pacific Fleet (PACFLEET) ceremonies on May 27 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
In a simple and moving ceremony overlooking the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, outgoing USPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III turned over the command to Admiral Harry B. Harris, Jr., former US PACFLEET Commander in the presence of US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter. In the same ceremony, Admiral Scott H. Swift, US Navy, took over the command of the US Pacific Fleet from Admiral Harry Harris, Jr. Officials and legislators from the State of Hawaii were present, including Hawaii Governor David Ige, former Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle, US Representatives Mark Takai and Tulsi Gabbard; US Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono; and Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. High level military officials from US allies such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, among others were also invited. The consular corps of the Philippine Consulate General in Hawaii also attended.
Secretary Gazmin, the highest ranking foreign guest invited to the USPACOM event, arrived in Hawaii on May 26 together with Department of Defense (DND) Senior Military Assistant Brig. Gen. Danilo Chad Isleta, Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Jesus Millan, Philippine Fleet AFP Commander Rear Admiral Leopoldo Alano, DND Assistant Secretary Raymund Jose Quilop, Assistant Defense Attache Col. Orlando Suarez from the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C.; as well as other military aides. The Philippine delegation was assisted during the visit by AFP Liaison to PACOM, Capt. Rey dela Cruz and Asst. LO, Lt. Col. Rolando Orengo and the Philippine Consulate in Honolulu.
New USPACOM Commander Admiral Harris underscored the US commitment to Asia rebalance strategy and promised to work closely with allies in the region to maintain peace and stability. Defense Secretary Ash Carter in his speech affirmed that “America’s future rests with the Asia-Pacific.” Secretary Carter reiterated that the US is ready to defend freedom of navigation and overflights and to oppose further militarization of disputed areas. He called for a halt in China’s reclamation activities. He said that the US “will remain to be the principal security power in the Asia Pacific region in the decades to come.” He praised Admiral Locklear for being a “strategist, diplomat and leader” by helping implement America’s enduring interest in the Asia Pacific.
Admiral Locklear, in his speech, affirmed that the “Asia rebalance is the most strategic decision that the United States has made.”
After the ceremony, PACOM hosted a reception during which Secretary Gazmin and the Philippine Delegation conveyed their congratulations to Admiral and Mrs. Harry Harris, Jr. and Admiral and Mrs. Scott Swift. Secretary Gazmin also met with Secretary Carter that same day. END