The U.S Pacific Command change of command ceremony at Camp Smith this morning was marked by pomp and ceremony and the military’s top brass.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Muller, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, praised outgoing Navy Adm. Timothy Keating for his accomplishments as head of Pacom for the past two-and-a-half years, as well as what Gates called Keating’s “stellar” 40-year Navy career.
They also welcomed Adm. Robert Willard, who assumed the new command position.
Gates spoke about the importance of the Pacific Command, the oldest and largest of the military’s unified commands.
“Leading a military organization in this part of the world requires a deft touch, a diplomat's sensibilities, a scholar’s sense of the past and a commercial tycoon’s business savvy,” said Gates. “Admiral Keating has provided all that and more.”
He spoke of the “nation’s good fortune” in having Willard to head Pacom. He pointed out that Willard’s previous assignment as commander of the world’s largest fleet, the U.S. Pacific Fleet, has prepared him to take charge.
“So he knows full well the challenges and opportunities here,” Gates said.
Following the one-hour ceremony, Gates left immediately for an Asian tour in Japan and South Korea aimed at bolstering U.S alliances in the region. He did not speak with reporters before leaving.