PACOM commander visits Yokota

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, U.S. Pacific Command commander, talks during a base wide all call at Yokota Air Base, Japan, April 12, 2012. During the all call, Locklear discussed current issues facing the command and his priorities as the new commander. Yokota was one stop on his first visit to Japan as the PACOM commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Stacy Moless)

Published April 12, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Desiree Economides
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- The U.S. Pacific Command commander addressed Airmen, Marines, Sailors and Soldiers during an all call held at the Taiyo Community Center April 12 at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, U.S. PACOM commander, made his first visit to Japan after assuming command in March.

During the all call, Locklear discussed key topics facing PACOM and his priorities for the region as the new commander.

"The president has said as we rebalance the force for the future...we're going to prioritize our assets to the Asian Pacific first and the Middle East second," said Locklear. "This rebalance doesn't mean we are going to get all the money, resources and people we want. It means we are all going to have to work hard, identify the areas we need to rebalance and also the areas that need to grow."

The security and economic strength of the U.S. during the next century depends largely on what happens in the Pacific, said Locklear.

Locklear also noted that his priorities for PACOM during the rebalance are as follows: to strengthen U.S. alliances in the region, to prevent a destabilizing situation on the Korean peninsula and to critically look at where U.S. military installations are located throughout PACOM.

During his visit, Locklear will also meet with allied forces and visit other U.S. military installations throughout Japan.