Behind the operational units were staffs of all the service components: the Pacific Fleet — led by Adm. Thomas B. Fargo, the Pacific Air Force — led by Gen. William Begert, Marine Forces Pacific — led by Lt. Gen. Earl Hailston, and U.S. Army Pacific — led by Lt. Gen. Edwin Smith. Projecting that much combat power — that quickly — into unfamiliar territory — was an incredible feat. Today in the U.S. Pacific Command, staffs are operators — not overhead.

That feat would not have been possible without the support of our allies and partners. In September last year, the air-bridge from the United States stretched westward across the Pacific to Afghanistan, rather than eastward across Europe and the Middle East, because our allies and partners in Asia were quick to grant overflight permission.

Australia, New Zealand, and Canada sent forces to Afghanistan, while Japan (which passed new legislation to do it) and Korea provided key logistic support. These countries, and many others, are cooperating today in the Asia-Pacific region to root out terrorism in our own backyard — from India through Southeast Asia and the Philippines — to Korea, Japan, and China. And we will prevail.

As well as the nations of the Asia-Pacific region have worked in the past, we can work together even better in the future.

As effective as the U.S. Pacific Command forces are today, they will be even more impressive in the future. Through joint experimentation in the field — where it counts — they will make our capabilities today seem quaint in a few years.

And as good as our leaders are today, our future leaders will be even better — their dedication is already evident — on patrol on the Demilitarized Zone in Korea, on alert at air bases in Korea and Japan, and on watch on carriers and amphibious ships in the Western Pacific.

Our great young U.S. servicemen and women will be led for the next several years by an officer of the highest character and ability. Adm. Thomas B. Fargo knows the Pacific; he has been deeply involved in many of the events I have described; and he will take the U.S. Pacific Command to even greater achievements.

Thanks to all of you, for all you have done to make the Asia-Pacific region more secure.