Aloha,

This morning on Oʻahu, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) joined the Secretary of Defense and others in attending the United States Indo-Pacific Command Change of Command (INDOPACOM) Ceremony at Pearl Harbor, honoring outgoing commander Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr., and welcoming incoming commander Admiral Philip Davidson. The congresswoman presented a Congressional certificate to Admiral Harris, recognizing his honorable service over the past three years as USPACOM Commander, and his nearly forty years of service to the United States Navy. PACOM, officially renamed at this morning’s ceremony as INDOPACOM, is the United States’ military’s largest Area of Responsibility in the world, encompassing nearly half of the earth’s surface - more than 100 million square miles. Approximately 375,000 U.S. military and civilian personnel are assigned to the INDOPACOM area of responsibility.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, “Throughout his life and nearly forty years of service, Admiral Harris has served our country with honor. Mahalo nui loa to Admiral Harris and his wife Bruni for their service, sacrifice, and contributions, and best wishes as you continue your service in other ways.”

Yesterday evening, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard attended the Military Affairs Council Hawaiʻi’s (MAC) 5th Annual Academy Student Recognition Reception, honoring the 26 Hawaiʻi nominees to the U.S. military academies who were selected by the Hawaiʻi Congressional Delegation. Each year, U.S. Senators and Members of Congress nominate candidates for appointment to the four U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). The U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard also delivered remarks Tuesday evening at a ceremony for Hawaiʻi resident Jace Newman Winko of Boy Scouts of America Troop 135 and recognized his achievements in reaching the rank of Eagle Scout.