(LEAD) Obama nominates new Pacific commander

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- A U.S. Navy admiral, who picked North Korea as "our No. 1 security concern" early this year, has been nominated to be the new chief of the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM).

President Barack Obama named Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr. to succeed Adm. Samuel Locklear III as PACOM commander, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced Monday.

Harris is currently serving as commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

His nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.

In January, Harris said the North is the No. 1 security concern for his fleet.

"I am concerned as a commander for the provocations that come from North Korea. I don't understand them, I don't understand their leadership and I don't understand their intent," he told reporters at the time.

jschang@yna.co.kr
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