The U.S. 7th Fleet welcomed Vice Adm. Patrick Hannifin in a change of command ceremony on board Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka last week.
Hannifin relieved Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, to become the 55th commander of the fleet, the world’s largest forward-deployed naval force.
“It is a privilege to assume command of U.S. 7th Fleet-a force unmatched in power, partnership and purpose,” Hannifin said. “To the men and women of U.S. 7th Fleet, thank you for your service, toughness, and professionalism. You hold the line. It is an honor of a lifetime to serve with you once again.”
Prior to assuming command of the fleet, Hannifin served as U.S. Indo-Pacific Command director for operations, J3, Camp H.M. Smith. He has also served as commander, Carrier Strike Group 5 embarked onboard USS Ronald Reagan; and deputy director for Political-Military Affairs – Asia, Joint Staff, J5, Washington, D.C. He started his career as an F/A-18C Hornet aviator with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, and served as the executive officer of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), and commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81, San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Arlington (LPD 24) and Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).
Under Kacher’s leadership, U.S. 7th Fleet executed more than 460 operations and exercises to maintain maritime security and deter adversary aggression in the region.
“I’m deeply proud of our U.S. 7th Fleet ships, aircraft, and Sailors who operate forward to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Kacher said. “Our goal at U.S. 7th Fleet is that this One Team is so prepared, so ready, that every day our potential adversaries look out at what we do and how we do it and conclude, ‘today is not the day’”.