Posted on: Friday, March 4, 2005

Deputy nominated to lead U.S. Pacific Fleet

By William Cole
Advertiser Military Writer

Vice Adm. Gary Roughead, who in October took over the job of deputy commander of Pacific Command, was nominated yesterday by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to be commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

"If confirmed by Congress, it will be an honor and a privilege to continue serving my country in that capacity," Roughead said in a statement.

The new job would come with appointment to the rank of admiral. Pacific Fleet includes approximately 200 ships, 2,000 aircraft and more than 239,000 sailors, Marines and civilians.

Adm. Walter F. Doran, 59, has held the four-star job since 2002. Navy officials said no announcement has been made about Doran's future plans.

Roughead was nominated for deputy commander on Aug. 10. Nine days later, Air Force Gen. Gregory S. Martin was nominated to head up the Camp Smith-based command.

Martin subsequently withdrew, and Adm. William J. Fallon was selected for the job, meaning admirals were in both the top and No. 2 spot. The command almost always has been held by the Navy. "My take on that would simply be as they anticipate Adm. Doran's departure, Adm. Roughead was the right man for the job," said Lt. Col. Jay Steuck, a Pacific Command spokesman.

Reach William Cole at wcole@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-5459.