Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr. Confirmed for Pacific Command

PEARL HARBOR (July 2, 2014) Adm. Harry Harris Jr., commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, thanks Ralph Tomei, a 442nd RCT veteran, for his contributions during World War II. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David Kolmel/Released)

Washington, D.C. – On December 11th the Senate confirmed via voice vote the nomination of Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr. as Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command. The Commander of the United States Pacific Command is in charge of all U.S. military forces (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force) operating in the Pacific region. The Pacific Command is one of six global combatant commands and covers over 105 million square miles.

Admiral Harris, currently the highest ranking Japanese American in the U.S. military, is the son of a Navy petty officer and Issei mother, and credits his mother with instilling in him a sense of giri (Japanese for duty). He has served as the Commander of the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet since October 2013. In his 36 year career, he has served in every geographic combat command region and is highly decorated with numerous awards, including two Distinguished Service Medals, three Defense Superior Service Medals, three Legions of Merit, and two Bronze Stars.