Admiral Doran Now Leads Pacific Fleet
Adm. Walter F. Doran became the 30th commander in chief of the world's largest naval command May 4. "We have complete confidence in your ability and we know that you and your commanders and your staff are up to the task," said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Vern Clark, who was guest speaker during the brief ceremony aboard the historic battleship Missouri moored along Battleship Row here. "Our nation is at war. Adm. Doran, a native of Albany, N.Y., now leads a fleet responsible for more than half the Earth's surface and comprises more than 180 ships, 1,400 aircraft and 232,500 Sailors, Marines and civilians. He took over from Adm. Thomas B. Fargo, who relinquished command of the Pacific Fleet to become commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Command, headquartered at Camp H.M.
Adm. Fallon Relinquishes Helm at U.S. Pacific Command
From U.S. Admiral William J. Fallon, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command relinquished command to Air Force Lt. Gen. Daniel P. Leaf, Deputy Commander of U.S. Pacific Command, during a ceremony at Camp H.M. Smith March 12. Fallon departs U.S. Pacific Command, after serving two years with distinction, to assume the duties as the commander of U.S. Central Command, in Tampa, Fla. Leaf will serve as acting commander until a new U.S. Pacific Command commander is confirmed by the U.S. Senate and assumes command. President George W. Bush has nominated Admiral Timothy J. Keating, Commander, U.S. Northern Command, for appointment as Commander, U.S. Pacific Command. U.S. Pacific Command is the headquarters responsible for all American air, ground and maritime military forces in the Asia-Pacific region.
