'This is what we live for': Admiral Harry Harris takes command of US Pacific forces
Highest-ranking Asian American in navy born in Japan but raised in Tennessee and Florida
US and foreign officials welcomed four-star Admiral Harry Harris, the highest-ranking Asian American in the US navy, as commander of the United States' oldest and largest geographic combatant command on Wednesday in Honolulu.
Harris assumed command of the US Pacific Command from Admiral Samuel Locklear in a ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbour-Hickam.
"There's no shortage of challenges that confront us," Harris said, noting North Korea's nuclear ambitions, China's land claims in the South China Sea and Russia's resurging military aggression.
The United States is in the midst of a "rebalance" in the Asia-Pacific region to strengthen relationships and shift resources due to growing concern over these and other challenges.
"This is hard work, but this is what we live for," Harris said. "If called upon, we will fight tonight to defend American interests in the vast Indo-Asia-Pacific."
The US Pacific Command is responsible for military operations in the areas stretching from the US West Coast to the west coast of India, and from the Arctic Sea down to Antarctica.
Defence Secretary Ashton Carter praised Harris as the "Pacom commander we need for the next phase of the rebalance", noting Harris' accomplishments and experience as commander of the US Pacific Fleet.
Harris has served as commander of the US Pacific Fleet since October 2013. He is succeeded by Admiral Scott Swift.
Harris was nominated to become commander of all American Pacific forces last September, and was confirmed by the Senate in December. His instalment was held up by uncertainty over Locklear's future as it was believed Locklear was being considered for nomination as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Locklear retired after 43 years in the navy and three years as the head of the Pacific Command.
Harris, 59, was born in Japan to a serviceman in the US navy and Japanese mother, and raised in Tennessee and Florida.
He graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1978 and has served in every geographic combatant command region. He also did graduate work at Harvard University, Georgetown University and the University of Oxford in East Asia security.
Mark Takai, a Japanese-American congressman from Hawaii, said Harris was the right leader for the job and served as an inspiration to the Asian American Pacific Islander community.
"I think it says a lot about the leadership of the United States and how importantly they view this particular command and its leadership and guidance through the Asia-Pacific," he said. "Admiral Harris is going to do great."
