- This ceremony will also acknowledge Admiral Harris'
40-year career as he retires from the United States Navy.
In recognition of his outstanding service in the
Pacific region, Admiral Harris received the following award
in a ceremony held yesterday at Headquarters,
U.S. Pacific Command.
Australia Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia.
Additionally he received awards from France, Japan,
Republic of Korea, Mongolia, the Philippines and Singapore.
Providing our music this morning is the Marine Corps Forces
Pacific Band, playing under the direction of
Gunnery Sergeant Christie Espinoza.
Please join me in recognizing them for their outstanding
pre-ceremony concert.
(applause)
In just a moment the Secretary of Defense,
the Honorable James N. Mattis, the Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr.,
the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral John M. Richardson,
the Commander, United States Pacific Command,
Admiral Harry Harris, Admiral Bill Davidson, incoming
Commander, United States Pacific Command will arrive.
To preserve the dignity of this ceremony, we ask that
everyone turn off all cellular phones and other
wireless devices at this time.
In an effort to allow all our guests the opportunity
to view the entire ceremony, I will provide direction
when appropriate to stand or remain seated.
We ask that you remain seated during the presentation
of awards and the reading of the orders.
And for those in uniform, please remain covered.
Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the arrival
of the official party, and remain standing for the parading
of the national colors and the singing of the
national anthem and the singing of the Hawaii state song,
Hawai'i Pono'i.
This will be followed by the invocation.
In accordance with naval traditions, we will be piping
aboard the official party, and it is customary to
hand salute at the first note of the bosun's pipe
through the Ruffles and Flourishes music by the band.
Please be aware that with the arrival of the
Secretary of Defense there will be a 19-gun salute
in close proximity, and the hand salute should be held
to the last volley of the gun salute.
Today's Sideboys detail is comprised of members from
the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard
who represent the more than 370,000 service members located
throughout the Pacific caban areas of responsibility.
(shouted salutes)
Bandmaster, sound attention.
(military music)
(bells ringing)
Admiral, United States Navy arriving.
(whistle blowing)
(military band music)
- Ready, two.
(bells ringing)
- [Emcee] Pacific Command arriving.
(whistle blowing)
(military band music)
- Ready two.
(bells ringing)
- [Emcee] Naval Operations arriving.
(whistle blowing)
(military band music)
- Ready, two.
(bells ringing)
- [Emcee] Joint Chiefs arriving.
(whistle blowing)
(military band music)
- Ready, two.
(bells ringing)
- [Emcee] Defense arriving.
(whistle blowing)
(military band music)
(gunfire)
- Ready, two.
- [Emcee] Parade the colors.
- Sideboys, hand salute.
(military band music)
- Ready, two.
(shouted salutes)
- [Emcee] Ladies and gentlemen, our national anthem
followed by the Hawaii state song.
♪ Oh say can you see ♪
♪ By the dawn's early light ♪
♪ What so proudly we hailed ♪
♪ At the twilight's last gleaming ♪
♪ Whose broad stripes and bright stars ♪
♪ Through the perilous fight ♪
♪ O'er the ramparts we watched ♪
♪ Were so gallantly streaming ♪
♪ And the rockets red glare ♪
♪ The bombs bursting in air ♪
♪ Gave proof through the night ♪
♪ That our flag was still there ♪
♪ Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave ♪
♪ O'er the land of the free ♪
♪ And the home of the brave. ♪
(shouted salutes)
♪ Hawai'i Pono'i ♪
(singing in foreign language)
- [Emcee] Retire the colors.
(shouted salutes)
(military band music)
Bosun, retire the Sideboys.
- [Bosun] Left right face, fall out.
- [Emcee] Chaplain John M. Shimotsu will now offer
the invocation.
- Let us pray.
Almighty God, we gratefully acknowledge your providence
and ask for your continued blessings.
We give you thanks for the wisdom and magnanimity
of Admiral Harris,
and the compassion and advocacy of Miss Bruni Bradley.
You bless Admiral Davidson as he takes command,
and sustain the fidelity and professionalism and vigor
of the women and men of the United States Pacific Command
and its components.
That the joint service and inter-agency team
in combination with allies and in concert with partners
will continue to advance stability and prosperity
in the Indo-Pacific region.
May your light direct all who govern.
May they uphold the dignity with which you have endowed
each person, and seek just and peaceful relations with
all their neighbors.
In your most holy name we pray,
Amen.
(shouted salutes)
- [Emcee] Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats
and remain seated throughout the remainder of the ceremony.
Our national anthem was sung by Staff Sergeant
Courtney Clifford from the Pacific Air Forces Band,
and the state song Hawai'i Pono'i was performed by
Miss Siana Pelekai.
(applause)
Ladies and gentlemen, Admiral Harry Harris.
(applause)
- Thanks, everybody.
Let's give it up one more time for Staff Sergeant Clifford
and Siana Pelekai for those awesome renditions of
our national anthem and Hawai'i Pono'i.
(applause)
So ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the
Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs,
the Chief of Naval Operations, thank you for being here.
You honor Admiral Davidson and me with your presence.
Today we welcome many distinguished guests serving in
both civilian and military positions really
across the globe.
So on behalf of everyone on the dais, please allow me to
recognize several of our esteemed guests at this time,
and please hold your applause until the end.
The Secretary of Defense, the Honorable Jim Mattis.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Joe Dunford.
Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral John Richardson.
Ministers of Defense, Unadara from Japan and
Riamazard from Indonesia.
Governors Ige and Hirioshi.
Senators Shotz and Hirono.
Congresswomen Gabbert and Ridawaggon.
Mayor Caldwell.
U.S. Circuit Judge Evan Wallach.
Current and former ambassadors, esteemed members of
our diplomatic and consulate corps.
Chiefs and Vice-Chiefs of Defense.
Air Chief Marshall Benskin.
General Vance, Admiral Cuano, General John,
General Seann Fuegos, Admiral Soberon, General Keating,
Admiral Lee, General Sir Gordon Messenger.
Please now join me in welcoming them to our ohana.
(applause)
So fellow flag and general officers and Hawaii state,
city and community leaders, senior enlisted leaders,
distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen,
aloha, y'all.
That's east Tennessee speak for those who live
in these parts.
While I was preparing these introductory remarks,
I'm reminded that most speakers need no introduction.
What they need is a conclusion, so let me get to it.
So I'm sure you'd rather hear from our extraordinary
leaders on the dais behind me than listen to me,
so let's get underway on vocal power.
Our first speaker has spent more than 11 years
of his life underwater.
That's about as long as it took me to graduate from
the naval academy, or at least that's how long it felt.
He's a former skipper of the attack submarine Honolulu,
so he's no stranger to the Aloha State.
He was a naval aide to the President.
He's commanded in NATO.
He's led at all levels of our Navy, and oh yeah,
he's also the 31st Chief of Naval Operations.
Ladies and gentlemen, Admiral John Richardson.
(applause)
- Thank you, Harry, for that great introduction.
Ladies and gentlemen and distinguished guests,
good morning, aloha.
Dana and I could not be more thrilled than to be
back here in Hawaii with our ohana,
and what a great occasion for us to have the opportunity
to come together and celebrate and recognize our friend,
Admiral Harry Harris, a fightin' admiral in every
sense of the word.
And I'll tell you what, although he may not be willing
to admit it, this day started to seem inevitable
some time ago.
When you start to rack up awards like the Gray Owl
and the Old Goat and all those sorts of things,
you know you get the sense that something's about to happen,
right, it's coming to the end.
So it's indeed an honor to be here to participate
in this tremendous ceremony of command such an
important, important region.
And as we review Admiral Harris' time in uniform,
two themes emerge.
I would say that Admiral Harris' career has been
characterized by his adaptability and innovation
in out thinking any adversary and working his way through
the most challenging situations.
And his adaptability and innovation started early.
In high school in Pensacola, Florida he blitzed ahead
so fast, was such an academic superstar, graduated
valedictorian, they ran out of math classes to teach him.
He finished them all in the junior year,
and so he spent the senior year teaching himself calculus.
So don't listen to a word about the 10 years through
the naval academy.
Admiral Harris has been as sharp as a razor
from the very beginning.
And Harry might have thought that he had a choice
of careers, but I'll tell you his fate was predestined.
Growing up in Tennessee as the son of a Navy chief
petty officer who had served on the U.S.S. Lexington,
Lady Lex, who distinguished herself so much, so bravely
here in the Pacific theater.
In fact, Harry Harris during his career would one day
join that chief petty officer's mess as an honorary
chief petty officer.
Admiral Harris' naval academy class of 1978 produced
31 flag and general officers, including four four-star
admirals, a testament to the talent, commitment and service
and devotion of that group.
And like Harry, I'm proud to see so many of those
classmates here in the audience to day to join in
this celebration, including their last member on
active duty, Admiral Kurt Tidd, the Commander of
U.S. Southern Command.
Now soon after he graduated from the naval academy
Admiral Harris met his first love, the P-3 Orion aircraft.
And what a courtship that was.
Over the course of his career he distinguished himself
flying that aircraft like it'd never been flown before.
Would accumulate 4,400 flight hours, about 183 days
in the sky, including 400 flight hours in combat.
He commanded VP-46 and patrol and reconnaissance Wing One,
and his creativity and adaptation were absolutely
instrumental in developing cutting edge EP-3
employment procedures, taking a maritime patrol aircraft
over land, giving it extremely exquisite capability
to adapt that platform for the war on violent extremism
and terrorism, pioneering the use of this maritime
aircraft over land.
And this adaptability and tactical brilliance in the face
of changing conditions has strategic implications.
And so it is no doubt that Harry is the only naval
flight officer ever to reach four-star rank.
Now of course, the Navy also has a sense of humor
every now and then, and it displayed that in spades
when it made Admiral Harris, who is a total warrior
and a naval aviator par excellence,
but not exactly a coding and computer genius though,
made him the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations
for Computer Networks, a move that surprised just
about everybody, mostly Harry.
But he adapted, he got through.
He went right down to the bookstore, got himself a copy of
Computers for Dummies, and he kept that thing on his desk,
and it was well worn.
That thing had pages turned over, marks in the margins,
and that got him through.
And you know, after that experience, after watching Harry
master that job, the Navy adapted, too.
And we decided in the end of the day we don't even need
a Dop Nav N6, a Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for
Computer Operations, so we combined that job and
shut it down altogether.
Now as commander of the sixth fleet, this is where
Admiral Harris and I got a chance to work together
very, very personally, in Naples, Italy.
He reported aboard and immediately diagnosed the situation,
and saw that the thing that most needed to be done
was to reinvigorate that staff in the art of controlling
forces and fighting at sea, including developing the
staff's ability to plan and flawlessly execute
high end warfare in an increasingly complex environment.
So he set about that task and completed it just in time.
As soon as that work was done it seems, from aboard his
forward deployed command ship he and the staff deployed
on U.S.S. Mount Whitney and brilliantly executed
Operation Odyssey Dawn, a mission that included the
first time employment of Tomahawk missiles from an
Ohio class SSGN, and the first time EA-18 G Growler,
an electronic attack aircraft provided electronic warfare
support against hostile forces.
Again, innovation, adaptation.
He's a warrior diplomat if there ever was one,
with an insatiable spirit of adventure and an infectious
can-do attitude.
He visited 137 countries while serving as the Assistant
to the Chairman and principal military advisor to the
Secretary of State and liaison between the Joint Staff
and the Department of State, that included a leading role
in the Middle East peace process.
And here at Pacific Command he has traveled the equivalent
of 37 trips around the globe, 76 total days in the air
to build and strengthen, expand and deepen our
relationships with our key allies and partners in this
fundamentally important part of the world.
So over the past four decades Harry Harris has been
that warrior diplomat, spent more than half of his career
outside the continental United States serving in every
combatant command around the globe.
And of course, none of this adventure would have been
possible without Bruni by his side.
Bruni, you have been a partner that has made Harry
better in every sense of the word.
You embody the Navy tradition that we all marry
well above our heads, and Harry has done that in spades.
This is a day, Bruni, of celebration for you, too,
of you and your service, not just your own extraordinary
25 career as a naval officer that culminated in command,
but also a recognition of your tireless service
and advocacy for our Navy and military families.
And so on behalf of the Navy, let me just say thank you
for everything that you've done to support Harry
and support our families.
(applause)
Dana and I are so happy that you made the absolute
most of your time on the islands these past five years
helping spouses families, especially supporting the
education of military children.
And in true fashion, if you know Bruni,
there is always more, right?
But there's more.
And there was more with Bruni.
She also found the time somehow to become a certified
scuba diving instructor, and offered that service just
selflessly to anybody who wanted to learn,
just a symbol of her generosity in wanting to teach others.
And Bruni, for the next tour I just have two words for you,
dry suit, okay?
(audience laughs) All right.
Harry, the nation is grateful for your lifetime of service,
but we know it's not over yet.
And if confirmed we look forward to working together
in your new role as the United States Ambassador to
the Republic of Korea, where we know you will continue
your firm advocacy for an open transparent rules-based order
to allow the nations in the Pacific and around the world
to continue to thrive and prosper on a playing field
that benefits all.
Now while we're sad to say goodbye to Harry and Bruni,
we also welcome Admiral Phil Davidson and his wife Tracy.
And I'll say now what I said just a few weeks ago
at the Fleet Forces change of command,
Admiral Davidson is exactly the leader we need
in this critical theater.
Phil led our Atlantic fleet with competence and character.
Like Harry, he commanded both in Europe and
around the world.
He's a strategic thinker who knows how to execute
at the operational and tactical levels.
And in him our allies and partners will find
no better friend.
Phil, good luck and God speed as you take the con
of this fighting force.
As I close I just have one favor to ask
the assembled guests.
It's a day of celebration, as we celebrate command
and the exchange of command here in the crisp
execution of a salute.
And so it's a good day for celebration,
but at the end of the day the celebrations will subside,
we'll go back to our homes, to our rooms and lie down,
and I ask that as your head touches the pillow tonight
before you fall asleep, please say a quick prayer for
Harry and Bruni, a prayer of thanksgiving for everything
that they have done over four decades of service to
our country, and for the tremendous burden they carried
with such grace here at the Pacific Command.
Say a prayer for Phil and Tracy that God can give them
the strength and the wisdom to move forward.
And also include in your prayers all the sailors,
soldiers, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen deployed
around the world, in this theater, protecting our freedom.
Thank you all, and God bless.
(applause)
- [Emcee] Ladies and gentlemen, the Secretary of Defense,
the Honorable James N. Mattis.
(applause)
- Well, thank you, ladies and gentlemen for having
me here today.
It's a great day in this corner of America that we
always call paradise, and you can look out behind me
and see why.
Admiral Harris, Admiral Davidson, allies and partners
joining us from overseas, distinguished guests
so many of you.
I won't repeat what Admiral Harris said, but it's an honor
to have all of you here with the members of the
Pacific Command team.
And I think you can tell a lot about a person by
the company he keeps, and it's a sign of Admiral Harris'
attentive leadership, as well as Pacific Command relevance
that so many nations have traveled so far to send
representatives to join us.
Today we honor Admiral Harris' tenure as the Commander,
and welcome Admiral Davidson to his new role as the
Commander of U.S. Pacific Command.
And I want to add my words of thanks to the wives
who are here today.
Bruni, thank you so much for being the steady anchor
that you have been for over four decades of service to
the U.S. Navy and our nation, and that success is truly
a testament to Harry's character, but also your family's
character and through good times and bad.
We are deeply appreciative.
Tracy Davidson, welcome to you.
The burden once more shifts to your family at a time
you might have had other designs than mine,
but we are grateful.
I think you will find Hawaii really is paradise,
despite the occasional volcano that the beloved
Tutu Pelee may bring to the islands.
For U.S. Pacific Command it is our primary
combatant command.
It's standing watch and intimately engaged with over
half of the earth's surface and its diverse populations,
from Hollywood to Bollywood, from polar bears to penguins,
as Admiral Harris puts it.
Having grown up in Washington State, one of five American
state with Pacific Ocean coastlines, and looking out the
plane's window yesterday coming across that vast expanse
of ocean in my flight here, I was reminded that the
United States is today and has been for two centuries
a Pacific nation.
America's national defense strategy is a roadmap for
the American military, and it acknowledges this reality,
taking a clear-eyed look at the world at it is,
not how we would wish it to be.
Our 2018 national defense strategy is the first of its kind
in a decade, and it acknowledges the Pacific challenges
and signals America's resolve and lasting commitment
to the Indo-Pacific.
Americans' vision is shared by most nations in the region,
for every state sovereignty is respected no matter its size,
and it's a region open to investment and free, fair
and reciprocal trade not bound by any nation's predatory
economics or threat of coercion, for the Indo-Pacific has
many belts and many roads.
America continues to invest vigorously in Indo-Pacific
stability, bolstering the free and open rules based
international order that has enabled this region to grow
and to thrive for over 70 years.
While we are prepared any who would seek to challenge
America's resolve, our national defense strategy is not
a strategy of confrontation.
Rather it is a balance of idealism, pragmatism
and cooperation.
We will continue to seek out opportunities for cooperation
and open dialog with our competitors when it aligns with
our international interests and the interests of allies,
partners and stability.
And we will always be seeking peace from
a position of strength.
We will also continue further strengthening existing
alliances and fostering new partnerships in the region,
for these form a fundamental cornerstone of our
strategic vision, a shared vision respectful of all
nations' sovereignty, and allowing us to reinforce a
resilient security architecture capable of confronting
shared threats, be they terrorism or an inhibition of
free trade or humanitarian disasters that can befall
any nation.
Relationships with our Pacific and Indian Ocean allies
and partners have proven critical to maintaining
regional stability.
We stand by our partners and support their sovereign
decisions because all nations large and small are essential
to the region if we're to sustain stability in ocean areas
critical to global peace.
Further, in recognition of the increasing connectivity
the Indian and Pacific Oceans, today we rename the
U.S. Pacific Command to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
Over many decades this command has repeatedly adapted
to changing circumstance, and today carries that legacy
forward as America focuses west.
Admiral Harris, since you took the helm here in 2015,
you have steered a steady ship amid often shifting
ocean currents.
You anticipated our nation's need with remarkable foresight,
while making common cause with all nations that live by
international law, those sharing a spirit of collaboration
with each other.
Admiral, you ensured our Joint Forces were ready,
capable and lethal, while supporting diplomats as our
lead element for developing trust among nations.
Your vigorous effort to pursue partnership with a purpose,
as you so aptly put it, has ensured our continued
credibility and capability in this critical region.
You demonstrated that the United States takes no
relationship for granted, and having working tirelessly
to improve our multilateral relationships, you coordinated
urgent counter-terrorism efforts with regional partners
confronting the threat violent extremism poses to us all.
At the same time you've implemented combined controls
for maintaining the United Nations Security Council
sanctions on North Korea, and concurrently you directed
freedom of navigation patrols making clear that
international waters remain open to all nations.
Admiral Harris, the success of these significant activities
are due to your recognition of the role of international
law and your strategic vision.
Looking back over your devoted service to our nation
from your first assignment to Patrol Squadron 44 to today,
the Navy does not take lightly the loss of its Gray Owl
and Old Goat, as the Chief of Naval Operations commented.
Only in the naval service could such terms be
terms of endearment.
So on behalf of the department, you depart our ranks with
our full confidence, having demonstrated your respect
for allies, but you're going to need to buy him some
new suits, Bruni, if the Senate votes to confirm because
you're going off on another tour yet again together.
- [Bruni] He and Nordstrom are good friends now.
- She's already picked out the stores.
(laughing)
You see readiness for the fleet in action.
But Admiral Harris, you leave the team in good hands
with Admiral Davidson, and thank you for a job well done.
Admiral Davidson, for you, having served around the world
over your 36 years in uniform, you bring a wealth of
operational and strategic experience to your new role
as our primary guardian of U.S. and allied interests
in the Indo-Pacific theater.
As you take the helm I'm confident you will embrace the
three lines of effort of our national defense strategy,
increasing Indo-Pacific Command's lethality,
building on Admiral Harris' progress with our allies
and partners, further tightening the bonds of trust that
will enhance stability and respect for international law,
and doing this while reforming any command practices
that detract from performance and lethality.
During your confirmation hearing you expressed your
commitment to devote the whole of your energy to ensuring
this command is the most lethal and combat ready force
in our history.
Today America and countries across the broad Indo-Pacific
region are counting on you to do just that.
I have every confidence in your ability to carry out
your duties with the grit, the wisdom and skill you have
shown throughout your career.
Thank you, and I'll see you in Singapore.
(applause)
- [Emcee] The Secretary of Defense will now present awards
to Admiral Harris and Miss Bradley.
First Admiral Harris' award.
Citation to accompany the award of the
Dispensed Distinguished Service Medal to
Harry B. Harris, Jr.
Admiral Harry B. Harris, Jr., United States Navy,
distinguished himself by exceptionally distinguished service
as Commander, United States Pacific Command,
from May, 2015 to June, 2018.
His profound understanding of regional political military
affairs and his commitment to partnership, readiness
and presence were fundamental to the success of
security strategy in the vast and globally important
Indo-Pacific region.
He directed the planning and execution of multiple crisis
action operations in the western Pacific,
and in response to North Korean provocations.
Under his guidance the command improved intelligence
sharing, increased interoperability and enhanced cooperation
in counter-terrorism, maritime security and counter
proliferation matters.
The distinctive accomplishments of Admiral Harris
culminate a long and distinguished career in service
to his country, and reflect great credit upon himself,
the United States Navy and the office the
Secretary of Defense, signed James N. Mattis,
Secretary of Defense.
(applause)
Admiral Harris also received a letter of congratulations
from the President of the United States and the
Secretary of the Navy in recognition of Admiral Harris'
40 years of service.
(applause)
At this time Miss Bradley will receive an award
from General Dunford.
Citation to accompany the award of Distinguished
Public Service awarded to Bruni K. Bradley for distinguished
public service to the Department of Defense through a
succession of extraordinary contributions and tireless
support to all personnel assigned to the United States
Pacific Command from May, 2015 to June, 2018.
Miss Bradley generously gave her time and talents
to enhance the quality of life throughout the
Indo-Pacific region.
Her compassion for people and firm advocacy for policies
and programs directly benefiting the health, welfare,
education and morale of sailors, soldiers, airmen,
marines and their families throughout her arduous travels
and countless visits in the United States and overseas.
Miss Bradley's involvement through community outreach
programs, humanitarian assistance relief and spouse
leadership training helped to empower others for
the benefit of the greater whole.
Her caring spirit and genuine concern for people influenced
positive change and continuous process improvement.
An inspiring Joint Forces ambassador, Miss Bradley's
friendly spirit and enduring contributions helped build
trust and strengthen relationships throughout the
Indo-Pacific which fostered goodwill, both in local
communities and among neighboring nations.
Her many contributions directly supported the Command's
mission to advance regional security and prosperity
throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
The distinctive accomplishments of Miss Bradley are
in keeping with the finest traditions of public service,
and reflect great credit upon herself, United States
Pacific Command and the Department of Defense,
signed General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., United States
Marine Corps Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff.
(applause)
Ladies and gentlemen.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Commander, United States
Pacific Command, Admiral Harry Harris.
(applause)
- First and foremost, all glory to God.
Through him all things are possible.
And to the first Hawaiians who originally settled
these beautiful islands.
Mr. Secretary, Chairman and CNO, your presence means
so much to all of us, and thank you for the kind words.
Men and women of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
and your families, what you do on a daily basis is of
fundamental importance to our nation's defense.
I'm proud to serve alongside you.
Fellow flag and general officers, senior enlisted leaders,
distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen,
let me begin by saying how lucky Bruni and I are
to serve here in Hawaii almost five years.
John Steinbeck once wrote that the Pacific is my home ocean.
I know its moods, its color, its nature.
Indeed, Bruni's and my roots and histories run deep
here in the Pacific, and this is our home.
Folks, I'm acutely aware that the greatest speech in
American history was given by President Lincoln
at Gettysburg, and it lasted for two minutes
Julius Caesar probably gave the world's longest speech,
and his best friends killed him.
(laughing)
So before you unsheath your knives, let me take a few
moments to thank some folks.
I've spoken at many changes of command over the years,
and while these events focus on the incoming and
outgoing commanders, the story really is not about
individuals.
It's about family, it's about friends and about
colleagues past and present.
In the 21st century most of us are shaped by deep
friendships formed in difficult places.
Like you, I believe that service to our country,
whether you wear a uniform or a suit, is noble.
Because we live in a time of persistent conflict,
I believe that challenges are best met together
with friends by our side.
We are who we've been brought up with
and who we've come up with.
I stand on the shoulders of giants, and many are here today,
to great friends from Annapolis days, B-3 bubbas,
Pensacolians, Miamians, Pentagonians, up-Navians,
graybeards, friends from down under in Japan and Korea,
Italy, Germany, Taiwan, even Guantanomo,
and family and friends who've come from all over the
United States to share this day with Phil and Tracy
and Bruni and me, I'm glad to have given all of you
a chance to visit Hawaii.
I want to acknowledge Admiral Jerry and Linda McKay.
Admiral McKay passed away last year.
I was his aide many years ago, and I might add that
once an aide, always an aide.
He taught me how to be a flag officer before I made
lieutenant commander.
He mentored me ever since, and I miss him.
To all of the veterans here, all of us owe all of you
a debt of gratitude.
We should celebrate Veteran's Day every day.
To our industry partners and Hawaii civic organizations,
America's strength comes from the synergy between her
brave sons and daughters who have chosen the warrior's way,
and the people and organizations in our communities
and in industry that provide them with the steadfast support
and best equipment to get the job done.
To the PaCom components and mission partners,
Generals Brown, Berger, Martinez, (mumbling)
Admirals Aqualino, Panoyer, Catrell and SES's Mr. Joe Martin
and Pico Matautau, thank you for all you do for the
Joint Force and your services.
Thanks too to Generals O'Shaughnessy and Admiral Swift
and Atkins who pulled chocks earlier this month.
And to General Brooks in Korea who has far more
important things to tend to.
To my personal staff at (mumbling) in the fish bowl
and on the bridge at Camp Smith, to the Fentons,
the Shatters, the Jaders, the Cagsters, (mumbling)
special assistants and Jenny, thank you for making
my nutty hours your nutty hours, and every day a fun day.
And finally to Bruni, who keeps me honest,
tries to keep my humble, an impossible task I might add,
and lets me continue this cool adventure.
I guarantee you that when I step off this podium,
someone will come up to me and say oh, you're the fellow
that's married to Bruni Bradley, good to finally meet you.
(laughing)
Now let me welcome Phil and Tracy Davidson.
Admiral Davidson is well suited to operate in the
international arena that is the Info-Pacific command
in the 21st century.
He understands completely both his strategic and
operational responsibilities.
I am pleased, indeed gratified, that I leave this post
in his hands.
A battle tested leader who brings to this job the expertise
gained from a multitude of important security and
operational assignments spanning the globe.
Mr. Secretary, you will be well served indeed.
Ladies and gentlemen, when I took this podium in 2015
I said that there were no shortage of challenges
that confront us, from North Korea to China to Russia
to terrorism.
In the ensuing three years and three days,
I've given 277 speeches large and small,
or one speech every four days.
And I've reiterated these themes over and over again,
and I see no reason to change today on what will be
my last speech in uniform.
North Korea remains our most imminent threat,
and a nuclear capable North Korea with missiles that can
reach the United States is unacceptable.
China remains our biggest long term challenge.
Without focused involvement and engagement by the
United States and our allies and partners,
China will realize its dream of hegemony in Asia.
We should cooperate with Beijing where we can,
but stand ready to confront them where we must.
ISIS is here in the Indo-Pacific.
The events of 2017 in Marawi City serve as a wake up call
for all of us.
And a resurgent and revengous Russia whose longest
coastline is in the Pacific remains an existential threat
to the United States, even as Moscow acts as spoiler
in the Indo-Pacific today.
Indeed a lot has happens in the decades since the
Berlin Wall fell and the Soviet Union dissolved.
In the Indo-Pacific much of this change has been for good,
but make no mistake.
Our 27-year holiday from history is over.
Great power competition is back, and I believe we're
approaching an inflection point in history.
We're certainly not approaching anything resembling
the end of history.
Freedom and justice hang in the balance,
and the scale won't tip of its own accord simply because
we wish it would.
Ladies and gentlemen, our Commander in Chief is clear.
A geo-political competition between free and repressive
visions of world order is taking place in the Info-Pacific.
Sustaining favorable balances of power will require
strong commitment and close cooperation with our allies
and partners to defend freedom, deter war and maintain
the rules-based order that underwrite a free and open
international society.
This is hard work for sure,
but it's not aspirational.
It's in our DNA.
This is what we live for.
Our nation deserves no less, and our President and
Secretary of Defense expect no less.
If called upon, I am confident that Admiral Davidson
will lead Indo-PaCom to fight tonight to defend America's
interests in the vast Indo-Pacific.
I'll now proudly read my orders.
CNO Order 0548.
Your request to be transferred to the retired list
has been approved by the Secretary of the Navy.
Detached in May, 2018 from duty as Commander,
United States Pacific Command, signed J.M. Richardson,
Admiral CNO.
Sergeant Major, haul down my flag.
I'm ready to swallow the anchor.
Admiral Davidson, I'm ready to be relieved.
- Per Chief of Naval Operations Order Number 1168,
when directed by reporting senior detached in May, 2018
and report for duty as Commander, United States
Pacific Command.
(applause)
- [Emcee] Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in
recognizing and congratulating the 25th Commander of the
United States Pacific Command, Admiral Phil Davidson.
- Thank you, thank you.
Thank you, good morning and aloha.
Sergeant Major, break my flag.
Very well.
Distinguished guests, good morning.
Thank you for being here today.
Your presence underscores the importance of Pacific Command
and our mutual interest in the security of the Indo-Pacific.
Humbly it also means the world to Harry, Bruni, Tracy and I.
I must first recognize the outstanding men and women
of the U.S. Pacific Command.
I'm in awe of your approach and your attitude.
You proudly represent the very bedrock of our nation's
security in the Indo-Pacific.
Your hard work and dedication, your service,
whether lasting four years, 40 years or even longer,
matters when it comes to our security, our values
and our interests.
I look forward to working with you on the many challenges
here in the Indo-Pacific, and I am unquestionably
humbled to be your commander.
Tracy and I are thrilled to be back in Hawaii
and back in the Pacific.
I know from experience that there's a tremendous bond
between the community here on Oahu and all of the
U.S. servicemen and women who call this island home.
It is more than a history of teamwork, friendship
and mutual respect.
It is ohana indeed.
Thank you for welcoming Tracy and I.
I look forward to visiting our state and community
leaders in the coming weeks.
I am also completely obligated to thank those that have
shared this journey with Tracy and I,
and provided mentorship and leadership to me over the
past 36 years of naval service.
To Joe and Ellen Dunford and John and Dana Richardson
especially, thank you for your confidence.
To the Pacific Command components here today, Tracy and I
are grateful for your example and the teamwork to come.
For Harry and Bruni, to the both you, tremendous work
here at PaCom, and as a fellow citizen thank you for
your continuing lifetime of service, and thank you for
such a supportive and enlightening turnover.
Just remember, Harry, there's only two answers that
come to mind when you call from your next assignment.
It was my predecessor's fault
and that service chief's business.
Right, Harry?
Very good.
Seriously Tracy and I thank you and Bruni for the
warm welcome and your friendship.
I am also quite fortunate to have benefited from the
tremendous leadership and mentorship of previous
Pacific Command commanders, and I would be remiss if I
did not mention them today, even those that are not here.
Thank you, Tom Fargo and Dick Mackie, I see you over there
this morning, as well as Joe Prier, Timbo Keating
and Rat Willard.
I'm indebted to all of them and forever grateful for
their counsel and advice over the last few months
especially, and I will be in touch.
And of course, I owe a huge thank you to my wife Tracy.
This is house number 22 in our 36 years of marriage,
our fourth house in Hawaii alone.
She continues her service even today as a keen advocate
for military families and family readiness,
and she's my important anchor to Windward.
Last night I was tapping the few final words on
this speech, and she shouted out,
"Hey, Shakespeare, don't forget people came here to hear
"Secretary Mattis, not you.
"Wrap it up", so I will. (laughing)
Thank you, sweetheart, look forward to the adventure.
Admiral Harris and his extremely talented headquarters
have set the bar high and taken this command to
new heights, all the while navigating an incredibly complex
strategic and operational environment.
Ladies and gentlemen, the national defense strategy
clearly recognizes that the central challenge to our
prosperity and security is the reemergence of long term
strategic competition by revisionist powers.
And while China and Russia are the priority in that
strategy, challenges by North Korea, Iran and violent
extremists remain.
Four of the five principal challenges in that strategy
are found in this theater, and a fifth, Iran,
has previously operated in the region in just the
last few years.
For more than 70 years the Indo-Pacific has been
largely peaceful.
In most ways this was made possible by two things.
The commitment of free nations to the free and open
international order, and it was underwritten by the
combat credibility within U.S. Pacific Command.
For Pacific Command, Indo-Pacific Command and for the
allies, partners and friends assembled here today,
Pacific Command must continue our good work to defend
against and deter our adversaries from attacking
the United States, our citizens and interests abroad,
as well as our allies here in the region.
We must continue to develop the relationships with
our allies, partners and friends in the region to help
advance peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
We must deliver the readiness necessary to ensure
the freedom of the seas and skies, while producing a more
lethal integrated and interoperable combat force for
today and tomorrow, and be ready to defeat our adversaries
and those our allies should deterrents ever fail.
Lastly I wanna reemphasize our relationships matter.
To our allies here in the Indo-Pacific,
you will have no better ally.
To our partners, I look forward to advancing our
partnership in a way that serves our mutual interest.
To our friends, our friendship is rock solid.
We must continue to work together.
Peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific relies directly
on these bonds.
Mr. Secretary, ladies and gentlemen, I am eager to
get to work, thrilled to be here and humbled to be
the Commander.
I very much look forward to our many successes
in the future.
Thank you all for attending today.
You honor Harry, Bruni, Tracy and I very much
by your presence.
Thank you.
(applause)
- [Emcee] Please rise for the benediction,
and remain standing for the departure of the
official party.
- Let us pray.
(solemn military music)
Eternal Father, strong to save,
you alone spread out the heavens and rule all land and sea.
We pray your richest blessing on Admiral Harris and
Miss Bradley as he completes 40 years of distinguished
military service, and they prepare for continued service
to our nation.
Take unto thy most gracious protection Admiral and
Mrs. Davis, the service members and civilians of the
United States Pacific Command,
and we pray God bless America.
Amen.
(shouted commands)
- [Emcee] Sideboys, post.
Ladies and gentlemen, please rise.
In keeping with the time honored naval tradition,
Admiral Harris will now request permission from the
Chief of Naval Operations to go ashore for the last time.
(shouted commands)
(bells clanging)
Admiral Harry Harris and Miss Bruni Bradley,
United States Navy retired departing.
(shouting and whistles blowing)
- [Soldier] Ready, two.
(mellow band music)
- [Emcee] Bosun, retire the Sideboys.
- [Bosun] Sideboys, half step to the rear, march.
- Ladies and gentlemen, our official party will now depart
along with their families.
Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of Admiral Harris
and Admiral Davidson, I extend their since appreciation
for your attendance today.
A short reception will start immediately in the area
to my right for invited guests.
Ushers will be placed to assist you to the proper areas.
This concludes today's ceremony.
Aloha.