Trump to tap US Pacific Commander Harris as ambassador to Australia: statement

President Donald Trump on Friday named U.S. Pacific Commander Admiral Harry Harris as his pick to serve as the American ambassador to Australia, the White House said in a statement.

The naval officer has served in the military for 39 years and is in his seventh command assignment as head of the U.S. Pacific Command, according to the White House.

(Reporting by Susan Heavey; Editing by David Alexander)