Speeches

Ambassador Lavin's Remarks on the Change of Command at Comlog Westpac, Sembawang

December 16, 2003

Thank you Chaplain. Thank you Admirals Willard, and Donnelly for your participation. A special welcome to Admiral Tay and our good friends from the Singapore Armed Forces for being here today. Representatives of allied and friendly militaries, distinguished guests and friends, shipmates, thank you all for coming to participate in this change of command.

Our nation has been in two major wars in the two years that Admiral Cassius has had this assignment. We know the old saying that amateurs talk strategy, and professionals talk logistics. This truism was vividly demonstrated in Afghanistan and Iraq as our fighters grappled with inhospitable lands far from home.

Afghanistan’s remoteness and harsh terrain had defied some of the most formidable empires of our era. Iraq also presented a series of special challenges as it fielded a highly trained military armed with modern weaponry.

It wasn’t just that our coalition prevailed in both instances, for we knew they would. It was the lightning speed of the advance that shattered the enemies’ front lines as well as their morale. You can only run that kind of war if your logistics are…perfect. The only way our warriors could do their job was if Logistic Forces Western Pacific did its job. We should also remember with gratitude the vital role of Singapore and other coalition partners.

In two years as ComLogWestPac, Admiral Cassius helped our Carrier Strike Groups and Expeditionary Strike Groups in both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In one of the best-kept secrets of PACOM, Admiral Cassius runs his own private navy out here, comprised of seven Oilers, three Combat Stores Ships, and two Ammunition Supply Ships. This “Cassius fleet” steamed over 650 thousand nautical miles, conducted 1600 logistics events, supplied over 200 million barrels of fuel and moved over 128 thousand pallets of stores and ammunition.

The Admiral’s work goes beyond his military duties. From the embassy, I know him as an important part of the American community in Singapore. We’ve worked together on a variety of projects from our Fourth of July activities to his leadership in the American Association, and we’ve even gone on shore patrol together.

I have to share with you that Admiral Cassius has a secret weapon: his wife, Terri. Just as his job is to make sure that the fleet has everything necessary to do its job, Terri makes sure that her husband has everything necessary to do his job. Sort of ComLogJeffPac. Thank you Terri for all of your help.

As we bid farewell to Admiral Cassius and Terri, we are delighted to bid welcome to Admiral Quinn and Barbara. We are delighted you are joining our community and I pledge the full support of the embassy in your vital mission here. Welcome aboard.

Admiral Cassius, Bravo Zulu on your duty in Singapore. Submariners may not care about the winds topside, but that won't stop me from wishing that you and Terri be blessed with fair winds and following seas in Georgia and beyond. Thank you.