PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii -- Adm. John C. Aquilino will assume command of U.S. Pacific Fleet from Adm. Scott H. Swift, Thursday, May 17, at 10 a.m. in a change-of-command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam’s Kilo Pier.

The world’s largest fleet command, the U.S. Pacific Fleet encompasses 100 million square miles, more than half the Earth’s surface, from Antarctica to the Arctic Circle and from the West Coast of the United States into the Indian Ocean. The U.S. Pacific Fleet consists of more than 200 ships and submarines, nearly 1,200 aircraft, and more than 130,000 Sailors and civilians.

Aquilino, a New York native, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1984, earning a Bachelor of Science in Physics. He subsequently entered flight training and earned his wings in August 1986. His last assignment was as commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet, Combined Maritime Forces.

Swift, who was born on Oahu, completes a 40-year Navy career. He attended San Diego State University and received his commission in 1979 through the Aviation Reserve Officer Candidate program. He retires after serving as the 35th commander since the Fleet was established in February 1941.