US Pacific Fleet Gets New Leader; Admiral Retires

Published January 21, 2012 2:54AM (EST)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) — The U.S. Pacific Fleet has a new leader.

Adm. Cecil Haney assumed command after a ceremony Friday at Pearl Harbor. The former deputy of the U.S. Strategic Command is taking over from Adm. Patrick Walsh, who is retiring.

The fleet includes 180 ships, nearly 2,000 aircraft and 125,000 sailors, Marines and civilians. The command stretches from the U.S. West Coast to the Indian Ocean.

Haney told about 900 people at the ceremony that he will work with the other military services to support U.S. Pacific Command. He says he will work to enhance "maritime security and freedom of the seas."

The Pacific Fleet says that Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert praised Walsh for his service and leadership.


By Salon Staff

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