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Pacific Fleet Changes Leadership

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090928-09
Release Date: 9/28/2009 3:30:00 PM

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW) Stefanie Sealy, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The U.S. Pacific Fleet held a change command during a ceremony Sept. 25, on board Naval Station Pearl Harbor in view of the historic memorials of USS Arizona and USS Missouri.

Adm. Robert F. Willard was relieved by Adm. Patrick M. Walsh as commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Adm. Jonathan Greenert, vice chief of naval operations recognized Willard as "visionary," in moving the Pacific forward operationally with his insight and direction.

"Bob and Donna's leadership has been key to the success of the fleet out here," Greenert added, noting Willard's strength in talking to Pacific Fleet members and their families both in person and via emerging media on important topics from international relations to personal safety.

Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander, U.S. Pacific Command, provided keynote remarks. He joined Greenert in praising Willard for his many contributions to the Pacific Fleet and to the state of Hawaii and welcoming Walsh to the Navy's largest fleet command, which encompasses more than 100 million square miles and 180 ships and submarines, 1,500 aircraft, and 125,000 Sailors, reservists and civilians.

"He has been inspirational to those of us who know him," Keating said. "Bob has led with vision, courage and wisdom."

During his tour as U.S. Pacific Fleet commander, Willard, remained focused on warfighting, force posturing, building regional relationships and, most importantly, leading the fleet, according to Greenert and Keating.

In the fleet's continued support of all aspects of the maritime strategy, the men and women of Pacific Fleet have projected decisive power when ordered, built strong maritime partnerships and maintained the highest level of mission readiness.

Greenert also spoke of the contributions made by Willard's wife, Donna, thanking her for her leadership, involvement in a diverse array of activities and commitment to improving the quality of life for the Pacific Fleet families. Mrs. Willard received the Distinguished Public Service Award during the ceremony.

Before relinquishing command, Willard thanked all in attendance and all who supported him during his time in Hawaii, most specifically speaking of the men and women of the U.S Pacific Fleet.

"In my career, I've never been surrounded with by a stronger cast than at PACFLT. I'm proud of the way the fleet interoperates with regional navies … whether in combined armed exercises in Australia, complex joint exercises with India or the CARAT series of exercises throughout Southeast Asia," Willard said.

"Every Sailor and civilian in the fleet should be proud of the impacts they've had and especially proud of each other for the quality of service they bring to our military and our nation," Willard said.

Following the Pacific Fleet tour, Willard will report as Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, headquartered at nearby Camp H.M. Smith. A 1973 graduate of the Naval Academy, Willard assumed command of Pacific Fleet May 8, 2007, after completing his assignment as the 34th Vice Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, D.C.

Prior to his tour Willard served in the Joint Staff, was deputy and chief of staff of the Pacific Fleet here from October 2001 to June 2002, and commanded Carrier Group 5 aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and the U.S. 7th Fleet in Yokosuka, Japan. Other assignments also include the Navy Fighter Weapons School, commanding officer of USS Tripoli (LPH 10) and commanding officer of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

Walsh expressed what it means to become the Pacific Fleet commander.

"Today, I am fortunate to follow in command of a great leader whose initiatives, goals, efforts, and passion helped create one team. I look forward to working for you on that team," Walsh said.

Walsh, a 1977 graduate of the Naval Academy, most recently completed his assignment as vice chief of naval operations. An F-14 aviator, he has served on the Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron "Blue Angels," chaired the Department of Leadership, Ethics and Law at the U.S. Naval Academy, served as the executive assistant to the chief of naval personnel and reported to the Joint Staff for his first flag assignment as the deputy director for Strategy and Policy, (J-5).

He also served concurrently as the director, Navy Quadrennial Defense Review and Director, Navy Programming Division. Walsh has been a special assistant to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget as a White House Fellow. He attended graduate studies in the International Relations curriculum at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, as part of the Admiral Arthur S. Moreau Scholarship Program. Walsh graduated first in his class and received a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy, entered the Doctorate Program with distinction and subsequently received a Ph.D.

Willard, before concluding the ceremony, placed his utmost confidence in Walsh and his wife, Andy, as they embark on the journey of leading the Pacific Fleet.

"Pat, you're assuming command of the greatest fleet in the Navy. Enjoy the feeling," Willard said.