Posted on: Friday, May 3, 2002

Change of leadership in Pacific reassuring

Adm. Thomas Fargo yesterday took over the reins of the U.S. Pacific Command, arguably one of the toughest military/diplomatic jobs in the world.

He replaced Adm. Dennis Blair, who has been in this particular hot seat since 1999.

We wish Adm. Blair well in his retirement, although one suspects that retirement is a word that will hardly apply. His extensive skills and experience will be in demand wherever he goes, and there's little doubt that he will continue to serve his fellow citizens in one way or another.

Meanwhile, Adm. Fargo — who moves "up the hill" from his previous post as Pacific Fleet commander — must immediately begin dealing with complex issues that range from international relations and the spreading war against terrorism to gritty quality-of-life issues for the men and women stationed in Hawai'i and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Fargo will be officially replaced tomorrow by Adm. Walter Doran, who has been in Washington but who, from 1998 through 2000, served as commander of the Japan-based 7th Fleet.

In the best of times, these jobs are among the most complex in the world. In this new post-Sept. 11 era, the task is even more daunting. Hawai'i and the rest of the country should be grateful that the armed services have produced leaders who are up to the task.