"I have no doubt that the tasks in front of us are immense," Fallon, 62, told the state Senate. "I have, I think, a good understanding of the consequences in many directions and the actions that await us in the future."

Fallon, the head of U.S. Pacific Command at Camp Smith for just under two years, is awaiting U.S. Senate confirmation as the new head of U.S. Central Command, a job that will put him in charge of the unpopular Iraq war and fragile progress made in Afghanistan since 2001.

Fallon and his wife, Mary, were recognized by both state houses, receiving a standing ovation in both.

"We don't know how fast we may have to leave," Fallon said. The four-star admiral said he received a phone call from Washington, D.C., Thursday morning saying the Pentagon hoped the transition could be accomplished "in an orderly manner."

"They intend to announce a nominee to succeed me very quickly, and they would like to be able to do a formal turnover," Fallon said. "But I was told to not count on it, have my bags packed, and if the Senate confirms my nomination, I may have to leave immediately."

"Of course, you know the reason for that," he added, "because the activities in the Middle East are tragic for sure. The consequences in all directions are immense."

He said that the nation and President Bush have asked for "a new approach, different leadership" in Iraq, "and I'm going to, in Navy parlance, answer the bell to do whatever I can strive to do to help the situation."

The president wants to send an additional 21,500 U.S. troops to Iraq to try to stabilize Baghdad and volatile Anbar province to the west.

Fallon did not take questions from the news media, as the recognition by the state Senate and House and a visit with Gov. Linda Lingle came in rapid succession. Another factor likely was the pending Senate confirmation.

Fallon returned from Washington, D.C., two days ago after testifying at a Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing on Tuesday. Final approval is expected Thursday or Friday.

Fallon would be the first admiral to be in charge of Tampa, Fla.-based U.S. Central Command in its 24-year history. Experts have said his selection signals an emphasis on a wider role for the command as concerns increase with Iran. Two aircraft carrier strike groups are being sent to the Persian Gulf.

The Vietnam War veteran and naval aviator's sea service background continued to flavor his comments, including his thoughts on retiring with his wife in Hawai'i.

"Sometime soon, we expect to take our leave, but we certainly look forward to coming back very soon and very often," he said. "I have an anchor somewhere in my back pocket that I will be able to reach for hopefully one day soon and throw it down, and we'd be delighted to be able to do that here."