Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka's opening statement at today's Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, examining the nomination of Admiral William J. Fallon, USN, for reappointment to the grade of admiral and to be Commander, United States Central Command:

"Thank you Mr. Chairman and thank you Admiral Fallon for being here with us today.

"I have had the pleasure of knowing the Admiral for sometime in his capacity as Commander, U.S. Pacific Command.

"I think that it is fitting that on this day, the 145th anniversary of the launching of the Navy's first ironclad warship, the Monitor, we find ourselves here considering the nomination of an officer, that if confirmed by the Senate, will be the first Navy Admiral to command the United States Central Command.
"This speaks well of your leadership and your accomplishments as an officer in our nations military, and I thank you, Admiral, for your nearly 40 years of dedicated service to our country.

"I do have some questions that I would like you, Admiral Fallon, to address, and I look forward to hearing your testimony.

"Admiral, as you know, CENTCOM has never been commanded by a Navy flag officer in its entire history. Your nomination by the administration is, therefore, somewhat unique. It raises the question of why now in the war on terror, during a time when we have two ground conflicts ongoing simultaneously in the Central Command area of responsibility, is a Navy Admiral the best choice to head CENTCOM?" Akaka asked.

Unfortunately, a transcript of Admiral Fallon's answers and Senator Akaka's followup questions are not available at this time. Media professionals should contact Senator Akaka's Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-6361 for more information.