In nod to Asia ally India, US military renames its Pacific Command
The Pentagon renames its oldest and largest military command to reflect the growing importance of the Indian Ocean in US strategic thinking
The US military has renamed its Pacific Command the US Indo-Pacific Command, in a largely symbolic move underscoring the growing importance of India to the Pentagon.
US Pacific Command, which is responsible for all US military activity in the greater Pacific region, has about 375,000 civilian and military personnel assigned to its area of responsibility, which includes India.
“Relationships with our Pacific and Indian Ocean allies and partners have proven critical to maintaining regional stability,” US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said in prepared remarks.
“In recognition of the increasing connectivity between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, today we rename the US Pacific Command to US Indo-Pacific Command,” Mattis said.
He was speaking during a change-of-command ceremony. Admiral Philip Davidson was assuming leadership of the command from Admiral Harry Harris, who is US President Donald Trump’s nominee to be ambassador to South Korea.
