Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Commander, Naval Surface Force Pacific
View on WikipediaThis article needs to be updated. (April 2021) |

The Commander, Naval Surface Force Pacific (COMNAVSURFPAC) is the type commander for the Surface Force under the United States Pacific Fleet. The COMNAVSURFPAC is also the Commander, Naval Surface Forces (COMNAVSURFOR) and the Commander, Surface Warfare Enterprise.[1] The position is typically held by a Vice-Admiral. From 1978 onwards, the headquarters has been located at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Coronado, California.
History
[edit]The command was commissioned in March 1975. The first commander was Vice Admiral Robert Samuel Salzer. Under his command the consolidation of all Cruisers, Destroyers (previously under COMDESPAC), Frigates (in Cruiser-Destroyer Force, Pacific), Amphibious (ComPhibPac), Mine Force (previously including Mine Squadron 7, disestablished in 1968), Pacific Fleet, Service Force Ships, Tenders and Repair Ships (in Service Force, Pacific Fleet (ComServPac)), Naval Special Warfare Forces (SEALS), and Amphibious warfare schools of the Pacific Fleet, was commenced. On 7 June 1975 Vice Admiral Emmett H. Tidd assumed Command of the Naval Surface Force, US Pacific Fleet.[2] During this period, the final consolidation took place. When the task of consolidating the Naval Surface Forces, Pacific Fleet was completed, Admiral Tidd requested retirement. After over 33 years of service, he was retired from the Navy in August 1976 with the permanent rank of vice admiral.[3] On behalf of the President of the United States, he was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of the Third Award of the Distinguished Service Medal, "For exceptionally meritorious service ... ." At that time, the Naval Surface Force of the Pacific Fleet consisted of 183 ships and over 55,000 personnel.
In 1978, according to Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet, Eleventh Edition,[4] the command comprised Cruiser-Destroyer Group 1 (with Destroyer Squadrons 5, 13, and 23), Cruiser-Destroyer Group 3 (Destroyer Squadron 7, Destroyer Squadrons 17 and 27), Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5 (Destroyer Squadrons 9, 21, 31, and 37 (NRF)), Surface Group Western Pacific at Naval Base Subic Bay, with Destroyer Squadron 15 subordinate but based at Yokosuka, Japan, Surface Group Middle Pacific in Hawaii with Destroyer Squadrons 25, 33, 35, and Service Squadron 5, Amphibious Group 1/Task Force 76 in Okinawa, Amphibious Group Eastern Pacific, with its headquarters and Amphibious Squadrons 1, 3, 5, and 7 all in San Diego, Naval Special Warfare Group 1, Mine Squadron 5 (NRF) with Mine Divisions 51, 52, 53, and 54 (all NRF), and Service Group 1 at Oakland, CA., with Service Squadrons 1 and 3 at San Diego and Vallejo, respectively.
By 1984, SurfPac had four destroyer tenders (ADs), one repair ship (AR), and one battleship (seemingly USS New Jersey (BB-62)) reporting directly to it, and Surface Squadron 1 had been established at Long Beach, CA. Surface Squadron 1 was a mix: it comprised one salvage ship (ARS), 3 ATF, 1 AVM, two frigates, 1 LKA, and 1 LST.[5] Cruiser-Destroyer Groups 1, 3, 5 still directed multiple squadrons, though Service Group 1 had only a single subordinate squadron, Service Squadron 3 headquartered at Vallejo, comprising seven ammunition ships.
List of commanders
[edit]- VADM Robert S. Salzer, March 1975 – June 1975
- VADM Emmett H. Tidd, June 1975 – July 1976[6]
- VADM William R. St. George, July 1976 – May 1979[7]
- VADM Lee Baggett Jr., May 1979 – July 1982[8]
- VADM Harry C. Schrader Jr., July 1982 – July 1985[9]
- VADM George W. Davis Jr., July 1985 – August 1988[10]
- VADM Robert K. U. Kihune, August 1988 – December 1990[11]
- VADM David M. Bennett, December 1990 – November 1992[12]
- CAPT Wirt R. Fladd (Interim), November 1992 – April 1993[12]
- VADM David B. Robinson, April 1993 – June 1996[13]
- VADM Alexander J. Krekich, June 1996 – August 1998[14]
- VADM Edward Moore Jr., August 1998 – May 2001[15]
- VADM Timothy W. LaFleur, May 2001 – March 2005
- VADM Terrance T. Etnyre, March 2005 – February 2008[16]
- RADM Kevin M. Quinn (Interim), February 2008 – March 2008[17]
- VADM Derwood C. Curtis, March 2008 – June 2011[18]
- VADM Richard W. Hunt, June 2011 - July 2012[19]
- VADM Thomas H. Copeman III, July 2012 - August 2014[20]
- VADM Thomas S. Rowden, August 2014 – January 2018[21]
- VADM Richard A. Brown, January 2018 – August 2020[22]
- VADM Roy I. Kitchener, August 2020 – August 2023
- RADM Yvette M. Davids, August 2023 – December 2023 (acting)[23]
- VADM Brendan R. McLane, December 2023 – present[24]
Previous commanders, Amphibious Force, Pacific Fleet
[edit]The Amphibious Force was formerly known as commander, Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet (ComPhibPac). On 7 December 1941 the post was filled by Marine Major General William P. Upshur. Amphibious Forces, PacFlt comprised the Army's 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, under Army operational control, the 2nd Marine Division, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the 2nd Defense Battalion (see Marine defense battalions), and a depot.[25] One of PhibPac's subordinate commands during World War II was Transports, Amphibious Force, Pacific Fleet, or TransPhibPac. The commander of TransPhibPac was known as ComTransPhibPac.
Vice Admiral Wilson Brown was appointed commander of the amphibious forces in the Pacific (ComPhibPac) on 10 April 1942.[26]
On March 8, 1944, Vice Admiral Richmond K. Turner reported to the Commander-in-Chief U.S. Pacific Fleet, as Commander Amphibious Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet.[27] Vice Admiral Turner's orders as Commander FIFTH Amphibious Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet remained in force on his assumption of the higher command. On June 1, 1944, the Amphibious Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, were reconstituted by the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Fleet and Vice Admiral Turner assigned additional duty as TYPE COMMANDER for all Amphibious Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
The AMPHIBIOUS Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet consisted of Transports-Assault (APA), Cargo Vessels-Assault (AKA), Transports (AP), Cargo Vessels (AK), Civilian Manned Transports (XAP), and Cargo Vessels (XAK), Landing Ship Vehicles (LSV), Landing Ship Docks (LSD), Landing Ship Tanks (LST), Patrol and Special Craft (PCS, SC, LCC), Landing Craft (LSM, LCI(L), LCI(G), LCT(6), LCT(5), APc), Landing Boats, Training Commands, and Amphibious Operating, Repair and Training bases. These Forces were designated TASK Force Thirteen.
Subordinate Commanders of the Amphibious Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet are as follows:
- Commander Amphibious Group ONE, Amphibious Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet
- Commander Amphibious Group TWO, Amphibious Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet
- Commander Amphibious Group THREE, Amphibious Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet
- Commander Amphibious Group FOUR, Amphibious Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet
- Commander Amphibious Group FIVE, Amphibious Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet
- Commander Amphibious Group SIX, Amphibious Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet
- Commander Amphibious Group SEVEN, Amphibious Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet
- Commander Amphibious Group TWELVE, Amphibious Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet
- Commander Support Aircraft
- Commander, Training Command, Amphibious Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet
- Commander, Administrative Command, Amphibious Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet
- Transport Squadron Commanders
- Transport Division Commanders
The Commander Support Aircraft is placed by the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, under the control of Commander Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, for administration and training. When needed for operations and upon request by Commander Amphibious Forces, Commander Support Aircraft reports to Commander THIRD or FIFTH Amphibious Force for Operation Control. Office space is provided at Amphibious Force Headquarters.
This post was disestablished in 1975 and its functions were passed on to Naval Surface Force, US Pacific Fleet.
- 1948–1950: RADM Bertram J. Rodgers
- 1950–1950: RADM Peter K. Fischler
- 1950–1953: VADM Ingolf N. Kiland
- 1953–1954: VADM William M. Callaghan
- 1954–1956: VADM Thomas G. W. Settle
- 1956–1958: VADM Carl F. Espe
- 1958–1960: VADM John Sylvester
- 1960–1963: VADM Howard A. Yeager
- 1963–1964: VADM Ephraim P. Holmes
- 1964–1965: VADM John B. Colwell
- 1965–1966: VADM Bernard F. Roeder
- 1966–1968: VADM Francis J. Blouin
- 1968–1970: VADM John V. Smith
- 1970–1972: VADM Nels C. Johnson
- 1972–1975: VADM Robert S. Salzer
References
[edit]- ^ Reference OPNAVINST 5450.337A
- ^ "mrfa archive". Archived from the original on 2014-08-12. Retrieved 2014-08-07.
- ^ Register of Retired Commissioned and Warrant Officers, Regular and Reserve, of the United States Navy. Bureau of Naval Personnel. 1 October 1978. p. 744. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ Norman Polmar, 'The Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet,' Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, MD., 1978, ISBN 0-87021-642-2, 7–8.
- ^ Ships and Aircraft, Thirteenth Edition, 1984, 16.
- ^ "Naval Surface Force gets new commander". Coronado Journal. Vol. 63, no. 30. 5 August 1976. p. 5. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ "Adm. Baggett to assume command of Pacific Fleet Surface Force". Coronado Journal. Vol. 66, no. 22. 31 May 1979. p. 5. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ "Adm. Schrader given new command". Coronado Journal. Vol. 69, no. 29. 29 July 1982. p. 6. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ "Calendar Year 1985 Command History for USS TARAWA (LHA 1)" (PDF). Naval History and Heritage Command. U.S. Navy. 28 April 1986. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ "Kihune replaces Adm. Davis in change of command here". Coronado Journal. Vol. 77, no. 33. 25 August 1988. p. 7. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ "Kihune hands reins to Bennett". Coronado Journal. Vol. 80, no. 51. 20 December 1990. p. 25. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ a b "VADM Robinson Heads Pacific Surface Fleet". Coronado Eagle. Vol. 4, no. 15. 14 April 1993. p. 9. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ "DTIC General/Flag Officer List for 1997" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on October 22, 2021. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
- ^ "Vice Admiral Edward Moore, Jr". Real African American History. U.S. Pacific Fleet. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ "Vice Admiral Timothy W. LaFleur". U.S. Navy. 15 May 2002. Archived from the original on 14 December 2002. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ "Change of command ceremony". Defense Visual Distribution Distribution Service. 29 February 2008. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ "PN1285 — Rear Adm. Derwood C. Curtis — Navy — 110th Congress (2007-2008)". U.S. Congress. 13 March 2008. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ Steele, Jeanette (11 May 2012). "Navy surface ships in San Diego will get new leader". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ "Change of command at Naval Surface Forces". The San Diego Union-Tribune. 20 July 2012. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ Steele, Jeanette (7 August 2014). "New Navy ships boss installed". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ Werner, Ben (19 January 2018). "Vice Adm. Brown Replaces Vice Adm. Rowden as Commander of Naval Surface Forces". USNI News. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ LaGrone, Sam (3 August 2020). "Vice Adm. Kitchener Takes Command of Naval Surface Forces as Vice Adm. Brown Retires". USNI News. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ "Commander, Naval Surface Forces Holds Change of Command". DVIDS. San Diego: Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. 2023-08-18. Retrieved 2023-08-20.
- ^ Anderson, Zachary (2023-12-21). "Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Holds Change of Command". DVIDS. Naval Base San Diego: Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
- ^ Orbat.com/Niehorster, Amphibious Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
- ^ Kent G. Budge. "Brown, Wilson, Jr. (1882-1959)". The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved 4 August 2010.
- ^ U.S. Pacific Fleet, Transport Doctrine, Amphibious Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, September 1944, via HyperWar.
External links
[edit]Commander, Naval Surface Force Pacific
View on GrokipediaRole and Responsibilities
Mission and Objectives
The primary mission of Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP) is to man, train, and equip assigned surface forces for combat readiness, delivering combat-ready ships and capabilities to fleet commanders for operations in the Indo-Pacific theater.[5] This encompasses providing credible naval power to achieve sea control, enabling freedom of navigation and stability in contested waters such as the South China Sea through operations like freedom of navigation patrols (FONOPs).[6] Key objectives include sustaining surface warfare capabilities for power projection, utilizing amphibious ships like LHAs and LPDs alongside strike assets such as Tomahawk missiles to deploy forces globally from the sea.[6] CNSP also focuses on deterrence by demonstrating operational readiness against peer competitors, including ballistic missile defense (BMD) operations with Aegis-equipped destroyers to counter threats in the region.[6] These efforts support maritime security, sealift, and sea denial, ensuring the Surface Force can integrate with joint forces and allies to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.[6] As the type commander for surface forces under Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT), CNSP aligns its activities to bolster broader fleet operations, emphasizing interoperability with air, submarine, and expeditionary components to enhance collective naval power projection and deterrence.[1] Since its establishment in 1975, CNSP's mission scope has evolved to address modern threats, including anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategies from adversaries like the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Russia, through investments in unmanned surface vessels (USVs), hypersonic weapons, and directed energy systems to achieve 80% combat surge readiness by 2027.[6]Type Commander Duties
As the Type Commander (TYCOM) for surface forces in the U.S. Pacific Fleet, COMNAVSURFPAC provides administrative oversight for standardization of training, maintenance, and personnel policies across cruisers, destroyers, littoral combat ships, and amphibious vessels. This includes managing unit-level training programs to ensure compliance with the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP), such as Maintenance Phase, Basic Phase, and Integrated Phase training, with specific exit criteria like achieving at least 80% proficiency in Training Team Level of Knowledge (LOK).[7] Maintenance standardization involves coordinating assessments like Tailored Ship's Maintenance Assessments (TSMAs) and ensuring adherence to the Joint Fleet Maintenance Manual (JFMM) for repairs and equipment validation during sea trials.[7] Personnel policies focus on manning requirements, critical Navy Enlisted Classifications (NECs), and watch team continuity, aligning with directives from U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) to mitigate turnover impacts on readiness.[7] Logistical functions under COMNAVSURFPAC encompass resource allocation for ship repairs, modernization, and sustainment, including budgeting support through programs like NAVSEA 21 for in-service surface ship life cycle management.[8] This involves approving Temporary Additional Duty Training and Administration of Reserves (TADTAR) funding, addressing Casualty Reports (CASREPs), and coordinating with Regional Maintenance Centers (RMCs) to resolve material shortfalls, ensuring vessels meet operational standards before transitioning phases in the OFRP.[7] Budgetary oversight prioritizes high-impact areas such as 3M (Maintenance and Material Management) program compliance and equipment upgrades to enhance fleet-wide material condition.[7] Operational integration duties include coordinating surface force exercises, certifications, and deployments, with COMNAVSURFPAC overseeing events like Certification Exercises (CEs), Advanced Exercises (AEs), and fleet-level drills such as Composite Training Unit Exercises (COMPTUEX) and Final Battle Problems.[7] Certifications cover mission areas including Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS), requiring at least one qualified watch team per area and validation through Readiness Evaluations (READ-Es).[7] Basic phase training and integrated cycles are standardized using tools like the Training Resource and Requirements System (TRRS) and Fleet Logistics Training Management System (FLTMPS), with repetitive exercises mandated every 90 days to sustain proficiency.[7] COMNAVSURFPAC operates under direct subordination to the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, exercising authority over approximately 80-100 ships and 50,000 personnel as of 2025.[9] Reporting flows hierarchically from individual ships through Immediate Superior in Command (ISICs) to the TYCOM, utilizing systems like the Defense Readiness Reporting System-Navy (DRRS-N) and Total Online Readiness Information System (TORIS) for tracking status and readiness metrics.[7] This structure ensures coordinated support from Afloat Training Groups (ATGs) and integration with broader fleet operations.[7]Organization and Structure
Headquarters and Facilities
The headquarters of the Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMNAVSURFPAC) is located at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in Coronado, California, with the primary address at 2841 Rendova Road, San Diego, CA 92155-5490.[10] The facilities at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado serve as the operational hub for COMNAVSURFPAC, encompassing command centers that direct training, maintenance, and manning for approximately 93 surface ships in the Pacific Fleet.[11] These include extensive training areas with over 7,500 yards of beachfront along the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay, utilized for amphibious operations, special warfare exercises, and surface force readiness drills. Administrative buildings on the base provide logistical support, including supply coordination and personnel management, essential for sustaining surface force operations across the Pacific theater.[11] The headquarters staff comprises military and civilian personnel focused on command oversight, policy implementation, and administrative support to ensure effective integration of surface forces within the broader U.S. Pacific Fleet structure.[9]Subordinate Commands and Units
The Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMNAVSURFPAC) oversees a network of major subordinate commands, primarily organized into surface groups that manage operational units across the Pacific theater. These include Commander, Naval Surface Group Southwest (COMNAVSURFGRU Southwest), responsible for ships homeported in San Diego, California; Commander, Naval Surface Group Northwest (COMNAVSURFGRU Northwest), overseeing units in Washington state ports like Everett and Bremerton; Commander, Naval Surface Group Mid-Pacific (COMNAVSURFGRU MidPac), focused on Hawaii-based assets in Pearl Harbor; and Commander, Naval Surface Group Western Pacific (COMNAVSURFGRU Westpac), handling forward-deployed forces in Japan and Singapore.[12] Within these groups, key squadrons and elements form the operational backbone, integrating remnants of legacy organizations such as the former Cruiser-Destroyer Force (now embodied in Destroyer Squadrons, or DESRONs) and the Amphibious Force (through Amphibious Squadrons, or PHIBRONs). Notable units include DESRON 1, 7, 9, 15, 21, 23, and 31 for surface combatants; PHIBRON 1, 5, 7, and 11 for amphibious operations; Littoral Combat Squadron 1 (LCSRON 1); Mine Countermeasures Squadron 3 (MCMRON 3) and Mine Countermeasures Group 7 (MCMGRU 7) for mine warfare; and Surface Development Group 1 (SURFDEVGRU 1) for emerging technologies.[12] As of November 2025, the fleet under COMNAVSURFPAC comprises approximately 93 surface ships, including the recently commissioned USS Pierre (LCS 38) on November 15, 2025, emphasizing a balanced mix of combatants and support vessels to support missions across the Indo-Pacific.[13] Surface combatants include 58 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (DDGs) and 7 Ticonderoga-class cruisers (CGs), providing multi-mission capabilities such as ballistic missile defense and anti-submarine warfare. Amphibious forces consist of 2 America-class amphibious assault ships (LHAs), 3 Wasp-class amphibious assault ships (LHDs), 8 San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks (LPDs), and 7 Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships (LSDs), enabling expeditionary operations. Additional units feature 23 Freedom- and Independence-class littoral combat ships (LCSs), 4 Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships (MCMs), 2 expeditionary sea bases (ESBs) for special operations support, and 1 Blue Ridge-class command ship (LCC).[12] Units are regionally distributed to enhance forward presence and responsiveness, with primary bases in San Diego, California (home to the bulk of West Coast assets); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (Mid-Pacific hub); and Japan (Yokosuka for flagships and Sasebo for destroyers and amphibious ships). Forward-deployed elements, including those assigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet, operate from these locations and extend to Singapore, ensuring operational reach throughout the Western Pacific.[12][14] COMNAVSURFPAC provides oversight for training and certification through integrated squadrons, groups, and specialized teams like the Afloat Training Groups (ATGs) in San Diego and Mid-Pacific, which conduct assessments in warfare areas such as engineering, damage control, and combat systems to ensure mission-specific readiness. This includes tailored programs for mine warfare via MCMRON 3 and special operations support through ESB platforms, aligning units with the Surface Force Training Readiness Manual to maintain certification cycles and operational proficiency.[12][15][16]Historical Development
Predecessor Organizations
The primary predecessor organization to the Commander, Naval Surface Force Pacific (COMNAVSURFPAC) was the Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (ComPhibPac), established in April 1942 as part of the U.S. Navy's expansion to support amphibious operations in the Pacific theater during World War II.[17] This command was created to coordinate the training, logistics, and execution of large-scale island-hopping campaigns against Japanese-held territories, drawing on pre-war amphibious doctrine developed in response to potential conflicts in the Pacific. Vice Admiral Wilson Brown initially assumed command, but it quickly transitioned to Vice Admiral Richmond K. Turner in September 1942, who led the force through most of the war. ComPhibPac's structure and responsibilities were influenced by earlier interwar-era organizations within the U.S. Pacific Fleet, including cruiser and destroyer squadrons that formed the core of scouting and screening forces, as well as service squadrons responsible for logistical support and fleet maintenance. These units, part of the broader Scouting Force established in the 1930s, provided the foundational surface warfare expertise and operational templates that evolved into ComPhibPac's amphibious focus, emphasizing coordinated naval gunfire, transport, and landing operations.[18] By integrating converted merchant ships and purpose-built vessels, ComPhibPac expanded rapidly to oversee over 100 amphibious ships, enabling the projection of Marine and Army forces across vast ocean distances. During World War II, ComPhibPac directed critical amphibious assaults that shaped the Pacific campaign, including the initial landings at Guadalcanal in August 1942, which marked the first major Allied offensive and tested integrated joint operations against entrenched defenses. The command's role expanded to central Pacific operations, coordinating the assaults on Iwo Jima in February 1945—where naval forces provided pre-invasion bombardment and close support for Marine advances—and Okinawa in April 1945, the largest amphibious operation in the Pacific involving massive logistical coordination amid intense kamikaze attacks.[19][20] These efforts demonstrated ComPhibPac's pivotal contribution to defeating Japanese forces through superior amphibious tactics and firepower. ComPhibPac was disestablished in 1975 amid post-Vietnam War restructuring to streamline commands and reduce overhead, with its amphibious assets, personnel, and responsibilities transferred directly to the newly consolidated Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMNAVSURFPAC).[21] This transition integrated amphibious operations with broader surface warfare elements, including cruiser-destroyer and service forces, to form a unified type command focused on multi-domain readiness.[21]Establishment and Early Operations
The Commander, Naval Surface Force Pacific (COMNAVSURFPAC) was established on July 1, 1975, as part of a broader reorganization of the U.S. Pacific Fleet to consolidate and unify command over surface warfare assets.[22] This restructuring aimed to enhance operational efficiency and readiness during the Cold War era, following the Navy's drawdown after the Vietnam War.[22] The key reorganization merged several predecessor commands, including the Cruiser-Destroyer Force, Amphibious Force, Service Force, and Mine Warfare Force, into a single type command responsible for all Pacific Fleet surface ships.[22] Development of the unified structure began on January 1, 1975, with the disestablishment of the cruiser-destroyer and amphibious groups on April 1, 1975; the addition of service and mine ships completed the integration by July 1.[22] Vice Admiral Robert S. Salzer served as the first commander, overseeing the consolidation of surface ships across these categories.[23][22] In its early years, COMNAVSURFPAC focused on rebuilding post-Vietnam readiness amid escalating Cold War tensions with the Soviet Union.[22] Operations emphasized standardized training cycles, maintenance programs, and preparation for forward deployments to maintain deterrence in the Pacific theater.[22] Under Salzer's leadership through mid-1975, the command addressed integration challenges, such as aligning diverse unit doctrines and resource allocation, to ensure cohesive force projection capabilities.[23] By 1976, the unified structure had stabilized, enabling more effective support for fleet operations.[22]Leadership and Commanders
Current Leadership
The current commander of the Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMNAVSURFPAC) is Vice Admiral Brendan McLane, a Surface Warfare Officer who assumed command on December 21, 2023.[4] McLane, a 1990 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a B.S. in History, has extensive fleet experience, including command of USS Carney (DDG 64), where his ship earned the Battle Efficiency "E" and Battenberg Cup awards during a deployment with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet.[4] He previously served as commodore of Destroyer Squadron 50, leading Task Force 55 and Coalition Task Force 152 in the U.S. 5th Fleet, and as the 60th commander of Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic, before his Pacific Fleet billet.[4] Under McLane's leadership, COMNAVSURFPAC has prioritized readiness for great power competition, implementing the Competitive Edge 2.0 strategy to enhance warfighting proficiency across the force.[24] This includes advanced training in Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO), integrating unmanned surface vessels as essential enablers for distributed lethality in contested environments, as highlighted during the establishment of Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 7 in April 2025.[25] McLane's tenure aligns with the standard 2-3 year rotation for vice admirals in type command roles, focusing on achieving the Navy's "North Star" goal of 75% mission-capable surface ships.[26] The deputy commander, a rear admiral billet, supports the commander in overseeing surface force operations, training, and maintenance. Rear Admiral Ted LeClair served in the role until his retirement in August 2025. As of November 2025, the current deputy commander is not publicly detailed.[27] The Command Master Chief, Force Master Chief Larry A. Lynch (SW/AW), advises on enlisted personnel matters, sailor development, and readiness, drawing from his extensive career that includes service as Command Master Chief at Afloat Training Group San Diego.[28] Lynch has emphasized technological advancements and sailor resilience in reflections on the Surface Force's 50th anniversary in 2025.[29]List of Commanders
The Commander, Naval Surface Force Pacific (COMNAVSURFPAC) was established in March 1975 as the type commander for Pacific Fleet surface forces, consolidating previous organizations such as Cruiser-Destroyer Force Pacific and Amphibious Force Pacific. The following table enumerates all COMNAVSURFPAC commanders since its establishment in 1975, with ranks at the time of assumption and exact terms of service. This succession reflects typical career trajectories for surface warfare officers, often including prior billets as carrier strike group commanders, destroyer squadron commodores, or fleet commanders in the Third or Seventh Fleets, emphasizing operational experience in forward-deployed environments.[30][31]| Rank | Name | Term Start | Term End |
|---|---|---|---|
| VADM | Robert S. Salzer | March 1975 | June 1975 |
| VADM | Emmett H. Tidd | June 1975 | July 1976 |
| VADM | William R. St. George | July 1976 | May 1979 |
| VADM | Lee Baggett Jr. | May 1979 | July 1982 |
| VADM | Harry C. Schrader Jr. | July 1982 | July 1985 |
| VADM | George W. Davis Jr. | July 1985 | August 1988 |
| VADM | Robert K. U. Kihune | August 1988 | December 1990 |
| VADM | David M. Bennett | December 1990 | November 1992 |
| CAPT (Interim) | Wirt R. Fladd | November 1992 | April 1993 |
| VADM | David B. Robinson | April 1993 | June 1996 |
| VADM | Alexander J. Krekich | June 1996 | August 1998 |
| VADM | Edward Moore Jr. | August 1998 | May 2001 |
| VADM | Timothy W. LaFleur | May 2001 | March 2005 |
| VADM | Terrance T. Etnyre | March 2005 | February 2008 |
| RADM (Interim) | Kevin M. Quinn | February 2008 | March 2008 |
| VADM | Derwood C. Curtis | March 2008 | June 2011 |
| VADM | Richard W. Hunt | June 2011 | July 2012 |
| VADM | Thomas H. Copeman III | July 2012 | August 2014 |
| VADM | Thomas S. Rowden | August 2014 | January 2018 |
| VADM | Richard A. Brown | January 2018 | August 2020 |
| VADM | Roy I. Kitchener | August 2020 | August 2023 |
| RADM (Acting) | Yvette M. Davids | August 2023 | December 2023 |
| VADM | Brendan McLane | December 2023 | Present |
