U.S. PACOM Commander Visits Manila
Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, III, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command
Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III, the four-star Admiral who heads the U.S. Pacific Command based in Honolulu, Hawaii, is visiting Manila from July 15-17, 2012, for discussions with senior Philippine government officials on maritime and regional security issues. This is Admiral Locklear’s first visit to the Philippines since taking command of U.S. Pacific Command in March. In Manila, he will meet with President Benigno S. Aquino III and senior foreign affairs and defense officials to discuss developments in the U.S.-Philippine bilateral defense alliance that marked its 60th anniversary last year.
As the senior U.S. military authority in the Pacific Command area of responsibility, Admiral Locklear oversees an area that encompasses about half of the earth's surface; includes 36 nations; and is home to more than 50% of the world's population, several of the world's largest militaries, and two of the three largest economies. With allies and partners, USPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, and deterring aggression.
Adm. Locklear is a 1977 graduate of the United States Naval Academy.
His career as a surface warfare officer includes assignments aboard USS William V. Pratt (DDG 44), USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), USS Callaghan (DDG 994), and USS Truxtun (CG 35), culminating in command of USS Leftwich (DD 984). Subsequent command assignments include commander, Destroyer Squadron Two; commander, Nimitz Strike Group; commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet; and commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, and Allied Joint Force Command Naples.
Ashore, he served as executive assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations; the 78th commandant of Midshipmen, United States Naval Academy; director, Assessment Division (OPNAV N81); director, Programming Division (OPNAV N80); and, as director, Navy Staff.
He is a 1992 graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the George Washington University.
Locklear is the commander, U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.
His personal decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal with one gold star, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with four gold stars, Bronze Star Medal, and numerous individual, campaign and unit awards.