Willard Assumes Command of PACOM

Navy Adm. Robert F. Willard assumed command of U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) Oct. 19, relieving Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating during a traditional ceremony at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.

Hundreds of guests attended, included Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen.

See coverage by the American Forces Press Service, Stars and Stripes, Associated Press, and KITV.

Willard arrives from U.S. Pacific Fleet, where he served as the commander responsible for U.S. Navy operations throughout Asia-Pacific. He is now responsible for overseeing all U.S. military operations in the region, which encompasses about half the earth’s surface, stretching from the waters off the west coast of the U.S. to the western border of India, and from Antarctica to the North Pole.

Keating, who took command of PACOM in March, 2007, is retiring from the Navy following more than 42 years of service, during which he served in a variety of Navy and joint leadership positions, including U.S. Northern Command.

There are few regions as culturally, socially, economically, and geo-politically diverse as the Asia-Pacific. The 36 nations that comprise the Asia-Pacific region are home to more than 50% of the world’s population, three thousand different languages, several of the world’s largest militaries, and five nations allied with the U.S. through mutual defense treaties. Two of the world’s three largest economies are located in the Asia-Pacific along with ten of the fourteen smallest.

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PACOM Commander Discusses Asia-Pacific Partnerships, Issues at CSIS

Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), provided an update on military-to-military relationships throughout Asia-Pacific during a Sept. 15 presentation at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), in Washington, D.C.

An American Forces Press Service story captures the highlights of the presentation, which included discussion of issues associated with friends and allies such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, the Philippines, India, and Indonesia.

The presentation touched on a number of other issues, as well, such as the resumption of military to military dialogue with China and a desire for Chinese participation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercises, and search and rescue exercises.

Regarding North Korea, Adm. Keating emphasized that PACOM is in support of U.S. State Department efforts and the multilateral goal of a return to the Six Party Talks and ultimately, certifiable denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

Lauding the alliance with Japan, Adm. Keating said he expects no significant changes in the military-to-military relationship as a result of the seating of a new government.

The Admiral wrapped up his 30-minute address by emphasizing the partnership, readiness and presence. He noted that the feedback he receives when travelling throughout the region is that the U.S. is the indispensible partner who is counted on to help ensure peace and stability throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

View the complete discussion, including a follow-on question and answer session, here on the blog, or on the CSIS website.

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U.S., Philippines Agree on Military Engagements During Annual Meeting

Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Victor Ibrado, co-chaired the annual Mutual Defense Board (MDB) and Security Engagement Board (SEB) meetings Aug. 13 in Manila.

During the meetings the two reviewed the previous year’s military-to-military activities and agreed upon an engagement plan for the upcoming year, which includes military exercises, professional exchanges, and counter-terrorism training. Focuses include areas such as maritime security, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to countering terrorism and violent extremism.

The annual meetings ensure that joint exercises and activities conducted between the U.S. and Philippines are relevant and address present concerns of both military forces.

As noted by the Philippines News Agency, this was the 51st MDB and 4th SEB.

The Mutual Defense Board was formed in 1958 to provide a framework and mechanism for direct liaison and consultation between the Philippines and U.S. to develop and improve the common defense of both countries, which share a Mutual Defense Treaty.

The SEB provides a framework and mechanism for direct liaison and consultation on non-traditional security concerns such as, but not limited to, terrorism, transnational crimes, maritime security and safety, natural and man-made disasters.

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PACOM Commander Briefs at Foreign Press Center

The state of military relations between the U.S. and China was the primary topic of discussion July 28 when Adm. Timothy J. Keating spoke with a group of more than 30 international reporters at the Foreign Press Center in Washington D.C.

Adm. Keating, PACOM’s commander, emphasized the importance of the renewal of a dialogue between U.S. and Chinese military officials, which will happen within the next several months during an upcoming Military Maritime Consultative Agreement (MMCA) session. The MMCA is a forum designed for talks aimed at promoting safety in naval and air operations.

An American Forces Press Service story highlights Adm. Keating’s comments, including his hope that the military relationship with China will extend to include humanitarian and disaster relief exercise, personnel exchanges, information-sharing on counterterrorism techniques and procedures, and observation of bilateral and multilateral exercises.

Adm. Keating also fielded questions on several other topics, including the state of the U.S. alliance with Japan, which he said “…remains powerful, vibrant and at the centerpiece of all our strategies in the Asia-Pacific region.”

The Admiral opened his briefing with a review of the PACOM Strategy and its tenets of partnership, readiness and presence, and once again held up Pacific Partnership as an example of the application of the strategy.

View video coverage of the 25-minute exchange here on the blog, on the PACOM website, or on the Pentagon Channel.

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Adm. Keating Addresses National League of POW/MIA Families

Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, delivered the keynote address at the National League of POW/MIA Families 40th Anniversary Annual Meeting in Arlington, Va., July 23.

As highlighted in an American Forces Press Service news story following the event, Adm. Keating emphasized that nothing is more important than the fullest possible accounting of those missing as a result of the nation’s past conflicts and that the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command works tirelessly doing so.

“We’re going to do whatever it takes, with appropriate support, to have you reach some sort of conclusion in your minds and in your hearts as to where your loved one is,” Adm. Keating told the group. “We’re not going to rest.”

View Adm. Keating’s full address here on the blog, or on the Pentagon Channel.

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PACOM Commander Briefs Pentagon Press Corps

Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), discussed the PACOM Strategy and current Asia-Pacific security topics July 22 during a Department of Defense news briefing at the Pentagon.

Drawing on a number of ongoing activities in the PACOM area of responsibility, Adm. Keating emphasized the PACOM Strategy’s tenets of partnership, readiness and presence. Operations such as Pacific Partnership and the ongoing bilateral exercise Talisman Saber with ally Australia were shared as examples of U.S. commitment to the region, not only on bilateral military-to-military levels, but on a multilateral, multi-agency basis as well.

During a question and answer period, Adm. Keating addressed a number of topics. He expressed his hope for more frequent and robust dialog with the Chinese military, as well as hope that diplomatic efforts will result in North Korea’s return to the Six-Party Talks while noting that PACOM keeps a watchful eye on the situation.

View the entire news briefing here on the blog, or on the Pentagon Channel website.

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Adm. Keating Talks Strategy With Atlantic Council

Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), discussed the PACOM Strategy and current Asia-Pacific security successes and challenges in Washington, D.C. June 29 during an event hosted by Atlantic Council.

The discussion was moderated by former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Walter B. Slocombe and concluded with a question and answer session.

The PACOM Strategy is a forward looking plan based on the three tenets of partnership, readiness and presence, Adm. Keating explained. The strategy provides a simple, but not easy, framework for ensuring peace and stability in the region, he noted, by enhancing U.S. relationships and the capability of our allies and regional partners.

Adm. Keating praised the strong and enduring bilateral relationships that exist in the region while emphasizing and highlighting the importance of multilateral solutions to challenges.

The U.S. remains the reliable partner that can be depended upon in times of good or bad to ensure economic stability, Adm. Keating said.

C-SPAN televised the discussion and the video is available on the C-SPAN website.

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PACOM Commander Joins Defense Leaders at Shangri-La Dialogue

Senior defense officials and leaders from throughout the Asia-Pacific region, including Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Adm. Timothy Keating, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, have gathered in Singapore May 29-31 for the eighth annual Asian Security Summit.

The “Shangri-La Dialogue” as it is better known, provides a forum for bilateral meetings between defense ministers and officials, as well as a number of plenary sessions, covering a variety of topics such as “U.S. Security Role in the Asia Pacific,” and “The Major Powers and Asian Security: Cooperation or Conflict?”

According to the event’s website, 27 countries have been invited to participate. The keynote address will be delivered by Australia’s Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

During the event, Adm. Keating is meeting individually with several defense chiefs and senior military leaders from nations throughout the region, including New Zealand, Australia, India, Japan and the Philippines.

Forums such as the Shangri-la Dialogue play an important role in bringing leaders together to discuss and debate security issues of mutual concern, strengthen and expand relationships with allies and partners, and provide opportunities for increasing understanding -- and cooperation -- between participants.

Singapore (May 29, 2009) – Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, and Lt. Gen. Rodrigo Maclang, Vice Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, pose following a a bilateral discussion during the Asian Security Summit.

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Adm. Keating Discusses Goals, Benefits of PACOM Strategy

In a recent interview with the American Forces Press Service, Adm. Timothy J. Keating, PACOM’s commander, explained how PACOM’s Strategy is making a difference across the vast Pacific Command area of responsibility (AOR).

Built on the tenets of partnership, readiness and presence, the strategy is a long-term plan for ensuring the command honors its U.S. commitments, and underscores the fundamental importance of sustained and persistent cooperation and collaboration.

“We’ve got big countries and we’ve got small countries [within the AOR],” Adm. Keating said during the interview. “And as we travel and talk and watch and work with the folks of Tonga through Mongolia to India and everybody in between, we are seeing firsthand that they are all interested” in working together toward common goals.”

He draws on numerous examples, such as the recently completed Malabar naval exercise that included India, Japan and the U.S., to explain how the strategy is working to build bonds, regional capacity, and ultimately “defend the homeland and prevail in the struggle against violent extremism.”

Adm. Keating said he is convinced the strategy is working, noting the relative peace in the region.“In a way, it’s what hasn’t happened,” he said. “Some of that is good fortune. But a lot of it is due to a concerted effort by a lot of people, including those at Pacific Command.”

The PACOM Strategy is available for viewing and download at http://www.pacom.mil/.

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PACOM Commander Testifies before House Armed Services Committee

The commander of U.S. Pacific Command, Adm. Timothy J. Keating, testified before the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Mar. 24, responding to a wide range of questions that spanned the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) area of responsibility.

When responding to questions regarding his top concern in the region, Adm. Keating said that an area on which PACOM continues to focus is countering the spread of violent extremism. He noted that significant progress has been made by working with partners and allies throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

He also highlighted the dramatic decline in piracy in the Strait of Malacca - to less than five incidents last year - as a result of funding, training, and dialogue that have allowed neighboring countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and now Thailand to collaborate closer and enjoy greater success with improved safety and security in this critical chokepoint.

Other issues addressed during the testimony included the planned move of Marines from Okinawa to Guam, missile defense, India and Pakistan, the USNS Impeccable incident, and the status of military-to-military relations with China.

Adm. Keating’s prepared statement, which was submitted to the HASC, addresses all of the broader issues raised during the testimony. Video of the complete session is available on the HASC website. View Part 1 and Part 2.

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Adm. Timothy J. Keating Testifies before Senate Armed Services Committee

“We (U.S. Pacific Command) employ a strategy which concentrates on partnership, readiness and presence. We think this is a blueprint for enhancing United States relationships. And we think we take advantage of a capability of our allies and regional partners to address challenges and leverage significant opportunities in the Asia Pacific region.

We want to enhance our position as the indispensable partner with all of those in the region through sustained and persistent collaboration and cooperation, and by employing those forces that are necessary to strengthen the partnerships and support all those conditions which preclude the necessity for combat operations.” (Adm. Keating to the Senate Armed Services Committee)

Adm. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command testified, alongside the commanders of U.S. Forces Korea and U.S. Strategic Command, before the Senate Armed Services Committee Mar. 19. Read Adm. Keating’s statement, or view video of the testimony.

Adm. Keating discussed U.S. Pacific Command’s strategy in the Asia-Pacific region and answered a range of questions from the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee that included: the status of military-to-military engagement with China; the recent incident with USNS Impeccable in international waters in the South China Sea; North Korea’s stated intent to launch a satellite in April; military-to-military interaction with India following the Mumbai terrorist attacks; status of the planned move of U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam; and the importance of funding and training programs with Indonesia and other countries throughout the PACOM area of responsibility.

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USPACOM Commander Concludes Asia-Pacific Visit

Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander, U.S. Pacific Command, met with senior government and military officials in Thailand, Japan and South Korea this past week during a five-day Asia-Pacific trip that ended Feb. 20.

While in Thailand, the admiral attended the closing ceremonies of Exercise Cobra Gold 2009. Senior officials from the participating members of Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, and the U.S. met to review the highlights of the multilateral exercise and express their appreciation for the collective efforts of those involved. In particular, Adm. Keating noted that Exercise Cobra Gold 2009 was "a clear demonstration of all of our countries' commitment to peace security and prosperity throughout the region."

The trip also included a brief stop in Hong Kong which coincided with the presence of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis. The visit to Hong Kong provided Adm. Keating an opportunity to visit the ship and its leadership while engaging with Hong Kong officials. The admiral also met with a group of journalists at the U.S. Consulate during the visit. Many of the questions focused on the status of U.S. and China military-to-military relations. The admiral expressed optimism for the resumption of dialogue and stressed the importance of the two sides working together toward a common goal of security throughout the Asia-Pacifc region.

"This goes to our long term desire to have them operate with us rather than against us. To understand what it is we are about and we develop an understanding of what they are about," said Keating. "The Asia Pacific region is vast. It is full of opportunity and full of potential. There are the unmistakable challenges. We’d like to reduce the challenges. We want to walk away from opportunities where there could be confusion leading to conflict, leading to crisis. The more dialogue we have, the more inter-operating we do with them, the less chance for confusion and conflict and crisis."

In his calls on senior leaders throughout the trip, a common theme was the importance of partnership and readiness to deal with common challenges.

Adm. Keating routinely travels throughout the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility, meeting with his military counterparts and civilian leaders to promote security cooperation and explore opportunities for expanding existing relationships.

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