In his first briefing as Pacific Commander, Admiral Samuel Locklear told reporters that the U.S. military is not interested in building any more bases in the region, and instead will focus on strategic partnerships with various countries.
Pacific Command’s area of responsibility includes China, Southeast Asia and most of the Pacific Ocean. The Obama Administration has said the region will receive renewed focus in its defense and national security plans. Admiral Locklear said he hopes to visit the most powerful Asian nation, China, within the next several weeks.