Hirono Statement on Appointment of Commander of Joint Task Force Red Hill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the appointment of Rear Admiral John Wade to serve as Commander of the Joint Task Force responsible for the safe defueling and closure of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu:

“In his role with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Rear Admiral Wade has been responsible for coordinating the successful execution of all U.S. military activities in the Pacific region. I hope that experience, along with his several years living on Oahu, will help him succeed as Commander of the Joint Task Force responsible for the safe and timely defueling and closure of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. I look forward to meeting with Rear Admiral Wade soon to discuss the critical work ahead and the importance of collaboration, transparency and garnering the trust of the community throughout this process.

“Now that a JTF commander has been named, I am hopeful that the work necessary to prepare for Red Hill’s defueling can begin in a timely manner. I’ll continue working with my colleagues in Congress, military leadership, and our partners in Hawaii to help ensure the success of this critical task, while ensuring the protection and health and safety of the people of Hawaii.”

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