It is customary for defense secretaries to preside over ceremonies marking the arrival of new leaders at the military's regional commands.

This week, Gates officiated at a Tampa, Fla., ceremony where former Pacific commander Adm. William J. Fallon succeeded Gen. John Abizaid as the top officer for U.S. forces in the Middle East.

Gates' visit to Hawai'i will be his first since he became defense secretary in December.

The Pacific is one of the more critical commands for the military as it encompasses some of the world's most rapidly growing economies, major U.S. trading partners, and important commercial sea lanes.

It also includes potential security flashpoints like Taiwan, North Korea and enclaves for al-Qaida linked terrorists in Southeast Asia.

And it covers China, one of the world's most rapidly growing economic and military powers.

The U.S. Senate approved Keating's nomination to head the Pacific Command on Monday.

Keating told the Senate Armed Services Committee he would closely watch China's military development if he was confirmed. He added he would make sure Taiwan was able to defend itself if attacked by rival China. Beijing views the island nation as a renegade province.

A Navy pilot, Keating was most recently head of the U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

The admiral has significant experience in the Pacific, including a stint as commander of an aircraft carrier group based in Yokosuka, Japan.

He served as an aide to a Pacific commander in the 1980s.