He made the following comments during and after the hearing:

Calling Adm. William Fallon "a good choice," Akaka said he would support him in his Senate confirmation to be commander of the U.S. Central Command. Akaka also said he believed that Fallon was very candid in his answers to the committee during the hearing.

"He came across as a person who wants to change things and make it right based on his 40 years of experience in the Navy," Akaka said. "Knowing him as I have since he has been Pacific commander, I look upon his ambassadorial spirit as a plus for him."

Akaka said that "ambassadorial spirit" came out in Fallon's relationships with countries in the Pacific and Asia. "He talked with them and I think he...has sort of calmed the waters," Akaka said. "I feel there is a little more stability in Asia and the Pacific because of him."

Akaka said he believed Fallon was selected for his new job because of his ability to work with other countries.

"I think they were looking for somebody who can work internationally with other countries and he certainly would be one that would be able to do that," he said.

During the hearing, Akaka also asked Fallon why he was selected for the job, which a Navy admiral has not commanded in its 24-year history, especially when two ground conflicts are ongoing. Fallon said that in his discussion with Defense Secretary Robert Gates, the color of his uniform was an issue.

Fallon said: "I believe what they're looking for is someone with experience, which I've been fortunate to have acquired...and someone who is already familiar with the workings of a regional command and the requirements of that position."

Fallon also said that "very highly qualified" Army officers were leading U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"I believe that they are — the administration is looking for someone with experience and a willingness to work with these people," Fallon said. "I found in the Pacific that the opportunity to engage with nations throughout the region was beneficial to moving us forward in the areas of security and stability. And I would look forward to doing the same thing at Central Command."

Akaka also said he was concerned about the possibility of the Iraq war escalating to a regional conflict that involves Iran in an effort to shut down the networks providing advanced weaponry and training to insurgents fighting U.S. forces.

"I am particularly concerned because the administration is not engaging the Iranians in a diplomatic discussion, which may limit our firm response to military options only," Akaka said.

Fallon said he believe that the Iranians "have yet to play a really constructive role in the Iraqi situation."