Retired Adm. Tom Fargo, who just handed over the U.S. Pacific Command to his successor, will remain in Honolulu as chairman of Loea Corp. and chairman of Sago Systems, both subsidiaries of Trex Enterprises Corp.

"Trex's commitment to the community of Hawaii is what particularly resonates with me," said Fargo, who maintained close ties to Hawaii's business and civic communities during his tenure as commander of PACOM.

Founded in 1978, San Diego-based Trex is a high-tech defense contractor with more than 60 people working in Hawaii, on Oahu, Maui and Kauai.

Kihei-based Loea Corp. builds high-speed, high-bandwidth radios operating in millimeter-wave bandwdith free space, 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz range. It has installations in Hawaii, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Sago Systems creates camera systems to detect and locate objects on passengers at airports, on passersby, or individuals at a stand-off range. Sago reflects the strategy of Trex, like many high-tech defense contractors today including others in Hawaii, to build something useful for the Defense Department, then find civilian applications for the same concepts.

"We are absolutely honored to have a man of Adm. Fargo's integrity, experience and forward-thinking join us," Trex CEO Ken Tang said.

Fargo relinquished command Feb. 26, staying on later than planned at the request of the Pentagon after his original successor pulled out. Adm. William Fallon now heads the U.S. Pacific Command. Fargo will be based out of Trex's Oahu office full-time.