Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III, commander, U.S. Pacific Command, will present awards February 7th to service members who participated in relief efforts during Operation Damayan in the Republic of the Philippines.

The U.S. military logged a total of 2,748 flight hours in support of Operation Damayan delivering a total of 2,495 tons of relief cargo, and successfully evacuated 21,402 people.

Operation Damayan is a good example of the collective security and stability that exists and is enhanced when regional partners respond to neighbors in times of need. Forward presence of forces allows for quick response to crisis and develops strong ties through interoperability with military exercises and engagements, building an effective multilateral partnership.

Adm. Locklear has served as Executive Assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations; the 78th Commandant of Midshipmen, United States Naval Academy; Director, Assessment Division; Director, Programming Division; and as Director, Navy Staff.

During Adm. Locklear’s visit, he will be conducting an AFN-broadcasted interview February 7 between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m. Media interested in tuning into the broadcast can do so at Wave 89.10 or The Surf 648 on the AM frequency.

Media members interested in covering the event must contact the III MEF/MCIPAC Consolidated Public Affairs Office at OkinawaPao@usmc.mil no later than 2 p.m., February 6. Please include in the e-mail: full name; agency; job title; citizenship; vehicle make, model, color and license plate number; and a cell phone number of each media member attending. Registered media will receive additional information in the near future.


This article was originally published at: Commander of U.S. Pacific Command to Visit Okinawa