CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii -- On behalf of all the 380,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Coastguardsmen, and civilians that comprise U.S. Pacific Command, I join the people of Hawaii in mourning the passing of U.S. Rep. and Lieutenant Colonel Mark Takai. He'll be missed by the entire PACOM ohana.

Rep. Takai was a man of tremendous character who served our nation in Congress and in uniform. As a principled leader and person of character, he was a powerful and respected voice for the Pacific-based military community. On a personal level, I will miss his infectious enthusiasm and sense of duty. When I testified before the House Armed Services Committee, I knew I had to be well prepared -- he was a tough, but fair, questioner who always had our nation's interests at heart. I learned a lot from him and will miss his advice and counsel. Our nation owes much to his bravery, honor, and dedication. Truly, it was a pleasure to work with him and even better to know him.

Bruni and I extend our deepest condolences and prayers to his family -- Sami, Matthew and Kaila.