U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement on changes to the Unified Command Plan (UCP) announced today by Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Richard B. Myers:

"The advantage of coordinated homeland security missions under one combatant commander is conclusive in light of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America and the ongoing war on terrorism. Our country's ability to respond in an immediate and forceful way to unconventional threats necessitates the changes to the UCP announced today. However, many issues and challenges remain to be resolved as the U.S. Northern Command works to meet its mission of defending the U.S. mainland and supporting all military assistance to civil authorities. For example, the U.S. Pacific Command, which retains its responsibility for the homeland security of the State of Hawaii and the Pacific territories, must work closely with NORTHCOM as homeland security priorities for the United States are developed.

"The changes to the UCP recognize the continued strategic importance of the U.S. Pacific Command. I am pleased that the forces in Alaska remain in the Pacific Command, and that PACOM retains responsibilities for the Russian Far East. It is imperative that the U.S. military sustain its forward commitment to our allies and partners in the Pacific.

"As Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, I have discussed many of these issues with senior military leaders. I am confident that in due time any obstacles to an effective command structure will be worked out in a manner that deters potential threats and safeguards U.S. soil."