The U.S. Senate will consider the nomination of Adm. Patrick M. Walsh to be commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Walsh, now vice chief of naval operations, would replace Adm. Robert F. Willard, who was previously nominated to head the U.S. Pacific Command. Walsh was tapped by Defense Secretary Robert Gates yesterday.

Walsh is a former member of the Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team who flew combat missions in the 1991 Gulf War. He has commanded a carrier air wing, Naval Forces Central Command and the 5th Fleet.

If confirmed, Willard will command 300,000 military personnel, as well as 141 ships, 39 submarines, 360 Air Force aircraft, 900 naval aircraft, 250 Army aircraft and 600 Marines aircraft.