FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii—The “One Team” ohana extended a hui kaua to U.S. Army Pacific’s out-going Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Christopher P. Hughes and Deputy Commanding General-South, Maj. Gen. Todd B. McCaffrey, during a Flying “V” ceremony at historic Fort Shafter, Hawaii, May 6.
The Flying V ceremony traditionally welcomes or honors senior Army officials when they assume their responsibilities within USARPAC or depart the command. The name, Flying V, refers to the way the colors are posted during the ceremony, which is V-shaped.
Hughes will assume his new responsibilities as Commanding General of U.S. Army Cadet Command and Fort Knox. As the senior leader of U.S. Army Cadet Command and Fort Knox, Hughes will command a total of 275 Reserves’ Officer Training Corps programs located in colleges and universities throughout the 50 states. The U.S. Army Cadet Command is also responsible for more than 1,600 Junior ROTC programs across the nation.
While the two generals are not traveling together, McCaffrey will also depart for Fort Knox to assume command of First Army Division East. McCaffrey will oversee the training of joint, interagency, combined and active Army forces, along with reserve components assets for deployment and contingency force requirements.
Historic Palm Circle lived up to its name once again with the two generals standing side-by-side at attention. Looking out across the field, Hughes and McCaffrey has dedicated almost 70 years of their lives, along with multiple tours in the Pacific region, to the U.S. Army. Each officer served USARPAC dutifully in multiple capacities.
“It is a great day to recognize these two great warriors, two great leaders who have done so much for our Army, for our nation, and their Families—unbelievable teams,” said Gen. Robert B. Brown, USARPAC’s commanding general. “For the better part of this decade Todd McCaffrey has been oriented towards the Pacific. He has had a long history in this region. This organization and the Army has certainly benefitted from his extensive knowledge and experience in this. Regionally aligned forces, regional experts you got a great one standing up there,” Brown said as he gestured towards McCaffrey.
“With Chris [Hughes], USARPAC gained one of the most broadly developed leaders in the general officer corps,” Brown continued. “He is well respected and well known as an innovative and adaptive leader. His skills and talent were in full display as he really established a culture of innovation—which is not easy to do, but he is extremely good at it.”
Both general officers said that they have enjoyed their time in USARPAC and were grateful they had the opportunity to leave with many valuable experiences. Hughes however, had a message to leave the “One Team” Family.
“USARPAC in my opinion is the strongest and most productive Army service component in the world,” he said. “Everyone here must understand that this is a 4-star level command that brings strategic focus to the Pacific in support of the PACOM commander’s vision and our partners and allies in this most critical region. We bring 106,000 Soldiers, department of the Army civilians assigned from all three of our components, active, reserve and National Guard. It commands three Army forces, a corps, eight brigade combat teams and three combat aviation brigades. It is expertly supported by its own watercraft, aircraft, mission command, THAD batteries, medical support, and logistics. There is nothing that this organization cannot do. USARPAC is the total joint force package and reaffirms the Army’s commitment to balance to the Pacific.
Brown said USARPAC will lose two great officers, but their time here has helped to create a better organization and the Army, overall, will be better off for their service.
“For both Team McCaffrey and Team Hughes, for your dedication, love and selfless service, to those you lead and the Families around you, we bid you a fond aloha farewell,” said Brown. Know you will always be a part of the “One Team” ohana and we will miss you deeply, mahalo.”