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Commander, Naval Surface Force Pacific
Commander, Naval Surface Force Pacific
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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

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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

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Previous commanders, Amphibious Force, Pacific Fleet

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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.

References

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from Grokipedia
The Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMNAVSURFPAC or SURFPAC) is the type commander responsible for overseeing the surface ships and related forces assigned to the , ensuring their readiness for operations across the region. Headquartered in , , it manages manning, training, and equipping of these forces to support fleet commanders in preserving maritime security and stability over approximately 100 million square miles. Established on July 1, 1975, under the direction of R. Zumwalt, SURFPAC was created as part of a reorganization that consolidated the Pacific Fleet's cruiser-destroyer, amphibious, and service forces into a unified command to enhance efficiency and warfighting readiness during the era. This structure paralleled the creation of the Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, marking a pivotal shift toward specialized type commands focused on . Over its 50-year history, the command has evolved to incorporate technological advancements, including the introduction of the Surface Warfare Officer insignia in 1975 and the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pin in 1979, while adapting to post- challenges such as the transfer of certain units like Naval Special Warfare to other commands by 1987. The command's core mission is to man, train, and equip the surface force to deliver credible naval power, enabling fleet commanders to deter aggression, defend , and project power globally as required by national strategy. It currently leads approximately 80 ships, including destroyers, cruisers, littoral ships, and amphibious vessels, along with over 50,000 personnel, supporting operations under the U.S. Third and Seventh Fleets. Brendan M. McLane is the current commander, having previously led Naval Surface Force Atlantic and Ten, bringing extensive experience in and international deployments. Under his leadership, SURFPAC emphasizes high-end proficiency, integration of unmanned systems, and readiness for peer-level competition in contested environments.

Role 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 theater. This encompasses providing credible naval power to achieve sea control, enabling and stability in contested waters such as the through operations like freedom of navigation patrols (FONOPs). Key objectives include sustaining capabilities for , utilizing amphibious ships like LHAs and LPDs alongside strike assets such as missiles to deploy forces globally from the sea. 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. These efforts support , , and , ensuring the Surface Force can integrate with joint forces and allies to maintain a . As the type commander for surface forces under (COMPACFLT), CNSP aligns its activities to bolster broader fleet operations, emphasizing with air, , and expeditionary components to enhance collective naval and deterrence. Since its establishment in 1975, CNSP's mission scope has evolved to address modern threats, including (A2/AD) strategies from adversaries like the (PRC) and , through investments in unmanned surface vessels (USVs), hypersonic weapons, and directed energy systems to achieve 80% combat surge readiness by 2027.

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). 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. 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. 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 . 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. Budgetary oversight prioritizes high-impact areas such as (Maintenance and Material ) program compliance and equipment upgrades to enhance fleet-wide material condition. 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. 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). 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. COMNAVSURFPAC operates under direct subordination to the , exercising authority over approximately 80-100 ships and 50,000 personnel as of 2025. 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. This structure ensures coordinated support from Afloat Training Groups (ATGs) and integration with broader fleet operations.

Organization and Structure

Headquarters and Facilities

The headquarters of the Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMNAVSURFPAC) is located at in , with the primary address at 2841 Rendova Road, , CA 92155-5490. The facilities at 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. These include extensive training areas with over 7,500 yards of beachfront along the and , 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. 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.

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 , ; 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 ; and Commander, Naval Surface Group Western Pacific (COMNAVSURFGRU Westpac), handling forward-deployed forces in and . Within these groups, key squadrons and elements form the operational backbone, integrating remnants of legacy organizations such as the former Cruiser-Destroyer (now embodied in Destroyer Squadrons, or DESRONs) and the Amphibious (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. 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. 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). Units are regionally distributed to enhance forward presence and responsiveness, with primary bases in , (home to the bulk of West Coast assets); , (Mid-Pacific hub); and (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 , ensuring operational reach throughout the Western Pacific. COMNAVSURFPAC provides oversight for training and certification through integrated squadrons, groups, and specialized teams like the Afloat Training Groups (ATGs) in and Mid-Pacific, which conduct assessments in warfare areas such as , 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.

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. 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 and squadrons that formed the core of 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 , provided the foundational expertise and operational templates that evolved into ComPhibPac's amphibious focus, emphasizing coordinated naval gunfire, transport, and landing operations. By integrating converted and purpose-built vessels, ComPhibPac expanded rapidly to oversee over 100 amphibious ships, enabling the projection of Marine and forces across vast ocean distances. During , ComPhibPac directed critical amphibious assaults that shaped the Pacific campaign, including the initial landings at 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 in February —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. 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). 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.

Establishment and Early Operations

The Commander, Naval Surface Force Pacific (COMNAVSURFPAC) was established on , 1975, as part of a broader reorganization of the U.S. Pacific Fleet to consolidate and unify command over assets. This restructuring aimed to enhance operational efficiency and readiness during the era, following the Navy's drawdown after the . 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. 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. Robert S. Salzer served as the first , overseeing the consolidation of surface ships across these categories. In its early years, COMNAVSURFPAC focused on rebuilding post-Vietnam readiness amid escalating tensions with the . Operations emphasized standardized training cycles, maintenance programs, and preparation for forward deployments to maintain deterrence in the Pacific theater. Under Salzer's leadership through mid-1975, the command addressed integration challenges, such as aligning diverse unit doctrines and , to ensure cohesive force projection capabilities. By 1976, the unified structure had stabilized, enabling more effective support for fleet operations.

Leadership and Commanders

Current Leadership

The current commander of the Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMNAVSURFPAC) is Brendan McLane, a Surface Warfare Officer who assumed command on December 21, 2023. McLane, a 1990 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a B.S. in History, has extensive fleet experience, including command of (DDG 64), where his ship earned the Battle Efficiency "E" and Battenberg Cup awards during a deployment with the Eisenhower to the U.S. 5th Fleet. He previously served as commodore of 50, leading 55 and Coalition 152 in the U.S. 5th Fleet, and as the 60th commander of Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic, before his Pacific Fleet billet. 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. 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. 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. The deputy commander, a rear admiral billet, supports the commander in overseeing surface force operations, training, and maintenance. Ted LeClair served in the role until his retirement in August 2025. As of November 2025, the current deputy commander is not publicly detailed. 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 . Lynch has emphasized technological advancements and sailor resilience in reflections on the Surface Force's 50th anniversary in 2025.

List of Commanders

The Commander, Naval Surface Force Pacific (COMNAVSURFPAC) was established in March 1975 as the type 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 . This succession reflects typical career trajectories for officers, often including prior billets as commanders, commodores, or fleet commanders in or Seventh Fleets, emphasizing operational experience in forward-deployed environments.
RankNameTerm StartTerm End
VADMRobert S. SalzerMarch 1975June 1975
VADMEmmett H. TiddJune 1975July 1976
VADMWilliam R. St. GeorgeJuly 1976May 1979
VADMLee Baggett Jr.May 1979July 1982
VADMHarry C. Schrader Jr.July 1982July 1985
VADMGeorge W. Davis Jr.July 1985August 1988
VADMRobert K. U. KihuneAugust 1988December 1990
VADMDavid M. BennettDecember 1990November 1992
CAPT (Interim)Wirt R. FladdNovember 1992April 1993
VADMDavid B. RobinsonApril 1993June 1996
VADMAlexander J. KrekichJune 1996August 1998
VADMEdward Moore Jr.August 1998May 2001
VADMTimothy W. LaFleurMay 2001March 2005
VADMTerrance T. EtnyreMarch 2005February 2008
RADM (Interim)Kevin M. QuinnFebruary 2008March 2008
VADMDerwood C. CurtisMarch 2008June 2011
VADMRichard W. HuntJune 2011July 2012
VADMThomas H. Copeman IIIJuly 2012August 2014
VADMThomas S. RowdenAugust 2014January 2018
VADMRichard A. January 2018August 2020
VADMRoy I. KitchenerAugust 2020August 2023
RADM (Acting)August 2023December 2023
VADMBrendan McLaneDecember 2023Present
As of November 2025, Brendan McLane remains in command, continuing initiatives focused on surface force readiness and integration with joint forces.

References

  1. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_110603-N-DI719-140_Vice_Adm._Richard_Hunt_speaks_at_a_change_of_command_ceremony.jpg
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