PACOM Commander Visits USS George Washington
From USS George Washington Public Affairs

Adm. Samuel Locklear III, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, congratulates Sailors for their superior performance after an all-hands-office call aboard the Japan-based Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) April 12. Locklear took questions from Sailors and spoke about his expectations of the forward-deployed naval forces. George Washington is currently pier side in Yokosuka and making preparations to return to sea.
U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Dave Hecht

More than 4,000 Sailors from Pacific Fleet welcomed Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, Commander, United States Pacific Command (PACOM), for a town hall aboard the Japan-based Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) April 12.

“What you represent, what these ships represent is the forward presence of the most powerful nation on Earth, responsible for helping our allies in a way that ensures a security environment that is good for the future,” said Locklear.

Locklear assumed duties as PACOM commander March 9 and is touring various commands throughout his area of responsibility in order to communicate his expectations and get feedback from Sailors.

“While it is usually customary for admirals to visit major commands in their area of responsibility upon their appointment, it’s still commendable that he took time out of his busy schedule to come and talk with us and allow us to ask questions,” said Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Wise from Warrenton, Va.
“Some of these questions could have been asked and answered at a much lower level, but he still answered their questions and answered them in the most informative and relevant way possible,” said Wise.

Topics of discussion included issues relevant to the U.S. Navy in the Pacific theater as well as issues like the Defense of Marriage act, Early Retention Board, sexual harassment and hazing.

“I can tell you from my perspective, that this ship, this crew, the ships that support it, the staff that supports it, those that are on the front lines, on the front edge of our forward presence are making a big, big difference,” said Locklear. “I couldn’t be more proud of you and I couldn’t be happier to be your PACOM.”

“I think the visit was very beneficial to the Sailors,” said Chief Machinist’s Mate Ralph Galvan, from Corpus Christi, Texas.

“They get to hear a lot of information on current events and get a lot of answers to questions they have straight from the source.”