United States Pacific Command
Encyclopedia
The United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) is a Unified Combatant Command
of the United States armed forces
responsible for the Pacific Ocean
area. It is led by the Commander, Pacific Command (CDRUSPACOM), who is the supreme military authority for the various branches of the Armed Forces of the United States serving within its area of responsibility (AOR). The chain of command
runs from the President of the United States
, through the Secretary of Defense, to the Commander, Pacific Command. It is the oldest and largest of the ten Unified Combatant Command
s. It is based in Honolulu, Hawai'i
on the island of O'ahu
.
The main combat power of USPACOM is formed by U.S. Army Pacific
, Marine Forces Pacific, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Pacific Air Forces, all headquartered in Honolulu with component forces stationed throughout the region.
The United States Pacific Command's area of jurisdiction covers over fifty percent of the world's surface area – approximately 105 million square miles (nearly 272 million square kilometers) – nearly sixty percent of the world's population, thirty-six countries, twenty territories, and ten territories and possessions of the United States.
Its AOR encompasses the Pacific Ocean from Antarctica at 092° W, north to 8° N, west to 112° W, northwest to 50° N/142° W, west to 170° E, north to 53° N, northeast to 65°30' N/169° W, north to 90° N, the Arctic Ocean west of 169° W and east of 100° E; the People's Republic of China, Mongolia
, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Republic of Korea, Japan
; the countries of Southeast Asia and the southern Asian landmass to the western border of India
; the Indian Ocean east and south of the line from the India/Pakistan coastal border west to 068° E, south to 5° S/068° E, west to 5° S/059° E, south to 8° S/059° E, southwest to 11° S/054° E, west to 11° S/042° E, and south along 042° E to Antarctica; Madagascar
, Australia
, New Zealand
, and Hawaii.
It is charged with fulfilling the following mutual defense treaties signed by the United States:
In addition, PACOM's area of responsibility covers Taiwan
whose defense relationship with the United States is governed by the Taiwan Relations Act
of 1979. Furthermore, while the SEATO organization was disestablished in the late 1970s, SEACDT, the Collective Defense Treaty, still formally binds the U.S., France
, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand
, and the Philippines
.
Thirty-five percent of the total trade of the United States globally falls within the watch of the United States Pacific Command, amounting to more than $548 billion in 1998. Five of the world's largest militaries are monitored by the United States Pacific Command: People's Republic of China, India, Russia
, North Korea
and South Korea.
near suburban Salt Lake
and Moanalua
. The staff comprises over 530 Air Force
, Army
, Coast Guard
, Marine Corps
and Navy
officers and enlisted personnel with the support of an additional 110 civilian personnel.
The headquarters includes personnel, intelligence, operations, logistics, and signals/communications (J6) branches. The intelligence branch includes the Joint Intelligence Center Pacific, which serves as the co-ordinating intelligence
arm of the command.
, normally through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
.
Prior to 2002, the Combatant Commander had held the title of Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Command (CINCPAC). On 24 October 2002, by order of Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, the title was changed to Commander, U.S. Pacific Command (CDRUSPACOM).
Note: CINCPAC is not to be confused with CINCPACFLT, the former name of the subordinate navy component commander
(COMPACFLT) of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
subdivision of Honolulu
. It took control over all Armed Forces of the United States in what was once called the Pacific Theater during World War II
. In 1972, the United States Pacific Command's responsibilities were greatly expanded to include the Indian Ocean, Southern Asia, and the Arctic. In 1976, it was again expanded to include parts of Africa. President Ronald Reagan
expanded it again with the inclusion of the People's Republic of China, Democratic People's Republic of Korea
, Mongolia and Madagascar
. In 1989, actions were taken to clarify the extent of authority given to the Commander, Pacific Command.
From 1955 to 1979, the Command also included the United States Taiwan Defense Command
.
Unified Combatant Command
A Unified Combatant Command is a United States Department of Defense command that is composed of forces from at least two Military Departments and has a broad and continuing mission. These commands are established to provide effective command and control of U.S. military forces, regardless of...
of the United States armed forces
United States armed forces
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. They consist of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.The United States has a strong tradition of civilian control of the military...
responsible for the Pacific Ocean
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the Earth's oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, bounded by Asia and Australia in the west, and the Americas in the east.At 165.2 million square kilometres in area, this largest division of the World...
area. It is led by the Commander, Pacific Command (CDRUSPACOM), who is the supreme military authority for the various branches of the Armed Forces of the United States serving within its area of responsibility (AOR). The chain of command
Chain of Command
Chain of Command may refer to:* Chain of command, in a military context, the line of authority and responsibility along which orders are passed* "Chain of Command" , the fifth episode of the first season of Beast Wars...
runs from the President of the United States
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
, through the Secretary of Defense, to the Commander, Pacific Command. It is the oldest and largest of the ten Unified Combatant Command
Unified Combatant Command
A Unified Combatant Command is a United States Department of Defense command that is composed of forces from at least two Military Departments and has a broad and continuing mission. These commands are established to provide effective command and control of U.S. military forces, regardless of...
s. It is based in Honolulu, Hawai'i
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Hawaii. Honolulu is the southernmost major U.S. city. Although the name "Honolulu" refers to the urban area on the southeastern shore of the island of Oahu, the city and county government are consolidated as the City and...
on the island of O'ahu
Oahu
Oahu or Oahu , known as "The Gathering Place", is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands and most populous of the islands in the U.S. state of Hawaii. The state capital Honolulu is located on the southeast coast...
.
The main combat power of USPACOM is formed by U.S. Army Pacific
United States Army Pacific Command
United States Army Pacific is an Army Service Component Command of the United States Army and is the army component unit of the United States Pacific Command, except for units in Korea. The main areas that this command has jurisdiction in include Hawaii, Alaska, the Pacific Ocean, and Japan...
, Marine Forces Pacific, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Pacific Air Forces, all headquartered in Honolulu with component forces stationed throughout the region.
Mission statement
U.S. Pacific Command, in concert with other US government agencies and regional military partners, promotes security and peaceful development in the Asia-Pacific region by deterring aggression, advancing regional security cooperation, responding to crises, and fighting to win.Area of responsibility
Its AOR encompasses the Pacific Ocean from Antarctica at 092° W, north to 8° N, west to 112° W, northwest to 50° N/142° W, west to 170° E, north to 53° N, northeast to 65°30' N/169° W, north to 90° N, the Arctic Ocean west of 169° W and east of 100° E; the People's Republic of China, Mongolia
Mongolia
Mongolia is a landlocked country in East and Central Asia. It is bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south, east and west. Although Mongolia does not share a border with Kazakhstan, its western-most point is only from Kazakhstan's eastern tip. Ulan Bator, the capital and largest...
, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Republic of Korea, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
; the countries of Southeast Asia and the southern Asian landmass to the western border of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
; the Indian Ocean east and south of the line from the India/Pakistan coastal border west to 068° E, south to 5° S/068° E, west to 5° S/059° E, south to 8° S/059° E, southwest to 11° S/054° E, west to 11° S/042° E, and south along 042° E to Antarctica; Madagascar
Madagascar
The Republic of Madagascar is an island country located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
, and Hawaii.
It is charged with fulfilling the following mutual defense treaties signed by the United States:
- U.S./Republic of the Philippines (Mutual Defense Treaty, 1952)
- U.S./Australia/New Zealand (ANZUSANZUSThe Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty is the military alliance which binds Australia and New Zealand and, separately, Australia and the United States to cooperate on defence matters in the Pacific Ocean area, though today the treaty is understood to relate to attacks...
– U.S., 1952) - U.S./Republic of Korea (Mutual Defense Treaty, 1954)
- U.S./Japan (Mutual Defense TreatyTreaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and JapanThe was signed between the United States and Japan in Washington, D.C. on January 19, 1960. It strengthened Japan's ties to the West during the Cold War era...
, 1960)
In addition, PACOM's area of responsibility covers Taiwan
Republic of China
The Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan , is a unitary sovereign state located in East Asia. Originally based in mainland China, the Republic of China currently governs the island of Taiwan , which forms over 99% of its current territory, as well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and other minor...
whose defense relationship with the United States is governed by the Taiwan Relations Act
Taiwan Relations Act
The Taiwan Relations Act is an act of the United States Congress passed in 1979 after the establishment of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China and the breaking of relations between the United States and the Republic of China on the island of Taiwan by President Jimmy Carter...
of 1979. Furthermore, while the SEATO organization was disestablished in the late 1970s, SEACDT, the Collective Defense Treaty, still formally binds the U.S., France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
, and the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
.
Thirty-five percent of the total trade of the United States globally falls within the watch of the United States Pacific Command, amounting to more than $548 billion in 1998. Five of the world's largest militaries are monitored by the United States Pacific Command: People's Republic of China, India, Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
, North Korea
North Korea
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea , , is a country in East Asia, occupying the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Pyongyang. The Korean Demilitarized Zone serves as the buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea...
and South Korea.
Headquarters
Offices for the United States Pacific Command are based at the Nimitz-MacArthur Pacific Command Center at Camp H. M. SmithCamp H. M. Smith
Camp H. M. Smith is a United States Marine Corps installation in the Hawaiian town of Aiea on the island of Oahu, near the community of Halawa Heights...
near suburban Salt Lake
Salt Lake, Hawaii
Salt Lake is a suburban neighborhood of Honolulu, Hawaii on the island of O‘ahu. The area is also known as Āliamanu after a nearby crater, although Salt Lake itself is in a crater called Ālia pa‘akai — meaning "salt pond" in the Hawaiian language...
and Moanalua
Moanalua
Moanalua is a valley, a stream, an ahupuaa, and a residential neighborhood in Honolulu, Hawaii. The valley extends inland from behind Āliapaakai crater to the crest of the Koʻolau Range....
. The staff comprises over 530 Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
, Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
, Coast Guard
United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven U.S. uniformed services. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency...
, Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
and Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
officers and enlisted personnel with the support of an additional 110 civilian personnel.
The headquarters includes personnel, intelligence, operations, logistics, and signals/communications (J6) branches. The intelligence branch includes the Joint Intelligence Center Pacific, which serves as the co-ordinating intelligence
Intelligence (information gathering)
Intelligence assessment is the development of forecasts of behaviour or recommended courses of action to the leadership of an organization, based on a wide range of available information sources both overt and covert. Assessments are developed in response to requirements declared by the leadership...
arm of the command.
List of Combatant Commanders
The Combatant Commander of United States Pacific Command reports directly to the Secretary of DefenseUnited States Secretary of Defense
The Secretary of Defense is the head and chief executive officer of the Department of Defense of the United States of America. This position corresponds to what is generally known as a Defense Minister in other countries...
, normally through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is by law the highest ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces, and is the principal military adviser to the President of the United States, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council and the Secretary of Defense...
.
Prior to 2002, the Combatant Commander had held the title of Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Command (CINCPAC). On 24 October 2002, by order of Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, the title was changed to Commander, U.S. Pacific Command (CDRUSPACOM).
Note: CINCPAC is not to be confused with CINCPACFLT, the former name of the subordinate navy component commander
Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet
Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet , is the title of the United States Navy officer who commands the United States Pacific Fleet. Originally established in 1907 as a two-star rear admiral's billet, the position has been held by a four-star admiral since March 19, 1915.Between 1907 and December 6, 1922,...
(COMPACFLT) of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Commander-in-Chief U.S. Pacific Command and Commander-in-Chief U.S. Pacific Fleet
| No. | Image | Name | Start of Term | End of Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Adm. Admiral (United States) In the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard and the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, admiral is a four-star flag officer rank, with the pay grade of O-10. Admiral ranks above vice admiral and below Fleet Admiral in the Navy; the Coast Guard and the Public Health... John H. Towers John H. Towers John Henry Towers was a United States Navy admiral and pioneer Naval aviator. He made important contributions to the technical and organizational development of Naval Aviation from its very beginnings, eventually serving as Chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics... , USN United States Navy The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S... |
1 January 1947 | 28 February 1947) | |
| 2. |  |
Adm. Louis E. Denfeld Louis E. Denfeld Louis Emil Denfeld , was Chief of Naval Operations of the United States Navy from 15 December 1947 to 1 November 1949. He also held several significant surface commands during World War II, and after the war commanded the U.S... , USN |
28 February 1947 | 3 December 1947 |
| 3. |  |
Adm. DeWitt C. Ramsey DeWitt Clinton Ramsey Admiral DeWitt Clinton Ramsey was a U.S. Navy officer and pioneer Naval aviator who served as an aircraft-carrier commander during World War II, notably at the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway. Post-war assignments including command of the U.S... , USN |
12 January 1948 | 30 April 1949 |
| 4. |  |
Adm. Arthur W. Radford Arthur W. Radford Arthur William Radford was a United States Navy Admiral, Commander-in-Chief of the United States Pacific Command and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.Arthur Radford was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1896... , USN |
30 April 1949 | 10 July 1953 |
| 5. |  |
Adm. Felix Stump Felix Stump Felix Budwell Stump was an admiral in the United States Navy and Commander, United States Pacific Fleet from July 10, 1953 until July 31, 1958.... , USN |
10 July 1953 | 14 January 1958 |
Commanders, U.S. Pacific Command
| No. | Image | Name | Start of Term | End of Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5. | |
Adm. Felix Stump Felix Stump Felix Budwell Stump was an admiral in the United States Navy and Commander, United States Pacific Fleet from July 10, 1953 until July 31, 1958.... , USN |
14 January 1958 | 31 July 1958 |
| 6. |  |
Adm. Harry D. Felt Harry D. Felt Admiral Harry Donald Felt was an aviator in the United States Navy who led U.S. carrier strikes during World War II and later served as commander in chief of Pacific Command from 1958 to 1964.-Early career:... , USN |
31 July 1958 | 30 June 1964 |
| 7. |  |
Adm. Ulysses S. Grant Sharp, USN | 30 June 1964 | 31 July 1968 |
| 8. | Adm. John S. McCain, Jr. John S. McCain, Jr. John Sidney "Jack" McCain Jr. was a United States Navy admiral, who served in conflicts from the 1940s through the 1970s, including as the Commander, United States Pacific Command.... , USN |
31 July 1968 | 1 September 1972 | |
| 9. |  |
Adm. Noel Gayler Noel Gayler Noel Arthur Meredyth Gayler was an Admiral in the United States Navy, who served as the sixth Director of the National Security Agency from 1969 to 1972, and ninth Commander of Pacific Command from 1972 to 1976. Gayler was awarded three Navy Cross medals as a World War II flying ace and is credited... , USN |
1 September 1972 | 30 August 1976 |
| 10. |  |
Adm. Maurice F. Weisner Maurice F. Weisner Maurice Franklin Weisner was a United States Navy four-star admiral who served as Vice Chief of Naval Operations from 1972 to 1973; Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet from 1973 to 1976; and Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Command from 1976 to 1979... , USN |
30 August 1976 | 31 October 1979 |
| 11. | Adm. Robert L. J. Long, USN | 31 October 1979 | 1 July 1983 | |
| 12. |  |
Adm. William J. Crowe, Jr. William J. Crowe Admiral William James Crowe, Jr. was a United States Navy Admiral who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, and as the ambassador to the United Kingdom under President Bill Clinton.-Biography:Crowe was born in La Grange, Kentucky... , USN |
1 July 1983 | 18 September 1985 |
| 13. | Adm. Ronald J. Hays Ronald J. Hays Ronald Jackson Hays is a retired United States Navy four star admiral who served as Vice Chief of Naval Operations from 1983 to 1985; and as Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Command from 1985 to 1988.... , USN |
18 September 1985 | 30 September 1988 | |
| 14. | Adm. Huntington Hardisty Huntington Hardisty Huntington Hardisty was a United States Navy four star admiral who served as Vice Chief of Naval Operations from 1987 to 1988; and Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Command from 1988 to 1991.... , USN |
30 September 1988 | 1 March 1991 | |
| 15. |  |
Adm. Charles R. Larson Charles R. Larson Charles R. Larson is a retired four-star Admiral of the United States Navy.-Military career:A 1958 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Larson twice served as Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He also served as Commander in Chief, United States Pacific... , USN |
1 March 1991 | 11 July 1994 |
| Acting | LTG Lieutenant General (United States) In the United States Army, the United States Air Force and the United States Marine Corps, lieutenant general is a three-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-9. Lieutenant general ranks above major general and below general... Harold T. Fields, USA United States Army The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services... |
11 July 1994 | 19 July 1994 | |
| 16. | Adm. Richard C. Macke Richard C. Macke Richard Chester Macke was a Naval Aviator, an Admiral in the United States Navy and Commander of United States Pacific Command from July 19, 1994 until January 31, 1996. He was fired from that post in November 1995, hours after making comments considered insensitive to reporters about the case of... , USN |
19 July 1994 | 31 January 1996 | |
| 17. | Adm. Joseph W. Prueher Joseph Prueher Joseph Wilson Prueher served as United States Ambassador to the People's Republic of China from 1999 to 2001. He was succeeded as ambassador by Clark T. Randt, Jr... , USN |
31 January 1996 | 20 February 1999 | |
| 18. |  |
Adm. Dennis C. Blair, USN | 20 February 1999 | 2 May 2002 |
| 19. |  |
Adm. Thomas B. Fargo Thomas B. Fargo Admiral Thomas Boulton Fargo served in the United States Navy during the late 20th century and early 21st century. He served as Commander, United States Pacific Command, at Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii from May 2, 2002 to February 26, 2005... , USN |
2 May 2002 | 26 February 2005 |
| 20. |  |
Adm. William J. Fallon William J. Fallon William Joseph Fallon is a retired United States Navy four-star admiral who retired after serving for over 41 years. His last military assignment was as Commander, U.S. Central Command from March 2007 to March 2008. ADM Fallon was the first Navy officer to hold that position. His other four-star... , USN |
26 February 2005 | 3 March 2007 |
| Acting |  |
LtGen Lieutenant General (United States) In the United States Army, the United States Air Force and the United States Marine Corps, lieutenant general is a three-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-9. Lieutenant general ranks above major general and below general... Daniel P. Leaf Daniel P. Leaf Lieutenant General, USAF, Retired, Daniel P. Leaf was Deputy Commander and Acting Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii. He is currently working as the Vice President for Full Spectrum Initiatives in the Northrop Grumman Information Systems Defense Systems Division. He is a... , USAF United States Air Force The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of... |
3 March 2007 | 23 March 2007 |
| 21. |  |
Adm. Timothy J. Keating Timothy J. Keating Timothy J. Keating, is a retired United States Navy admiral. During his career he served as commander of Carrier Group Five, the U.S. 5th Fleet, the U.S. Northern Command and NORAD, and U.S. Pacific Command. He retired in 2009 after over 38 years of service. He was the first Navy officer to head... , USN |
23 March 2007 | 19 October 2009 |
| 22. | Adm. Robert F. Willard Robert F. Willard Robert F. Willard is a United States Navy admiral who serves as the Commander, U.S. Pacific Command. He previously served as Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet from May 8, 2007 to September 25, 2009. Prior to that, he served as the 34th Vice Chief of Naval Operations from March 18, 2005 to April 2007... , USN |
19 October 2009 | Incumbent |
Establishment
The United States Pacific Command was established on 1 January 1947 by President Harry Truman and was originally headquartered in the Salt LakeSalt Lake, Hawaii
Salt Lake is a suburban neighborhood of Honolulu, Hawaii on the island of O‘ahu. The area is also known as Āliamanu after a nearby crater, although Salt Lake itself is in a crater called Ālia pa‘akai — meaning "salt pond" in the Hawaiian language...
subdivision of Honolulu
Honolulu County, Hawaii
The City and County of Honolulu is a consolidated city–county located in the U.S. state of Hawaii. The municipality and county includes both the urban district of Honolulu and the rest of the island of Oahu, as well as several minor outlying islands, including all of the Northwestern Hawaiian...
. It took control over all Armed Forces of the United States in what was once called the Pacific Theater during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. In 1972, the United States Pacific Command's responsibilities were greatly expanded to include the Indian Ocean, Southern Asia, and the Arctic. In 1976, it was again expanded to include parts of Africa. President Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States , the 33rd Governor of California and, prior to that, a radio, film and television actor....
expanded it again with the inclusion of the People's Republic of China, Democratic People's Republic of Korea
North Korea
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea , , is a country in East Asia, occupying the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Pyongyang. The Korean Demilitarized Zone serves as the buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea...
, Mongolia and Madagascar
Madagascar
The Republic of Madagascar is an island country located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa...
. In 1989, actions were taken to clarify the extent of authority given to the Commander, Pacific Command.
Force structure
USPACOM is a unified command which includes about 300,000 military personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps (about 20 percent of all active duty U.S. military forces). These forces are in three categories: Forward-Deployed (about 100,000), Forward-Based, and Continental U.S. (CONUS)-Based which comprise the remainder.Service components
- U.S. Army Pacific CommandUnited States Army Pacific CommandUnited States Army Pacific is an Army Service Component Command of the United States Army and is the army component unit of the United States Pacific Command, except for units in Korea. The main areas that this command has jurisdiction in include Hawaii, Alaska, the Pacific Ocean, and Japan...
:- 25th Infantry Division (Hawaii and Alaska)
- 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, (Hawaii and Kadena Air BaseKadena Air Base, is a United States Air Force base in the towns of Kadena and Chatan and the city of Okinawa, in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Kadena Air Base is the hub of U.S. airpower in the Pacific, and home to the USAF's 18th Wing and a variety of associate units.-Units:The 18th Wing is the host unit at Kadena...
, Okinawa Japan) - United States Army AlaskaUnited States Army AlaskaUnited States Army Alaska is a military command of the United States Army located in the state of Alaska, USA. A subordinate command of the United States Army Pacific, USARAK is the ground element of the Alaskan Command. USARAK is headquartered at Fort Richardson and commanded by a major general...
- United States Army Japan
U.S. Army Chemical Activity Pacific (Johnston Island)(disestablished)- 9th Regional Support Command (USAR)
- Commander U.S. Pacific Fleet:
- Third FleetUnited States 3rd FleetThe Third Fleet is one of seven numbered fleets in the United States Navy. Third Fleet's area of responsibility includes approximately fifty million square miles of the eastern and northern Pacific ocean areas including the Bering Sea, Alaska, the Aleutian Islands and a sector of the Arctic...
(California) - Seventh FleetUnited States 7th FleetThe Seventh Fleet is the United States Navy's permanent forward projection force based in Yokosuka, Japan, with units positioned near Japan and South Korea. It is a component fleet force under the United States Pacific Fleet. At present, it is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets, with...
(Japan)
- Third Fleet
- Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC)
- 1st Marine Expeditionary Force1st Marine Expeditionary ForceThe I Marine Expeditionary Force is a Marine Air Ground Task Force of the United States Marine Corps primarily composed of the 1st Marine Division, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and 1st Marine Logistics Group...
(California) - 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force (Japan)
- 1st Marine Expeditionary Force
- U.S. Pacific Air ForcesUnited States Pacific Air ForcesPacific Air Forces is a Major Command of the United States Air Force. PACAF is also the air component of the United States Pacific Command . PACAF is headquartered at Hickam Air Force Base Hawaii. It is one of two USAF Major Commands assigned outside of the Continental United States, the other...
:- Fifth Air ForceFifth Air ForceThe Fifth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Pacific Air Forces . It is headquartered at Yokota Air Base, Japan....
(Japan) - Seventh Air ForceSeventh Air ForceThe Seventh Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Pacific Air Forces . It is headquartered at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea....
(Korea) - Eleventh Air ForceEleventh Air ForceThe Eleventh Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Pacific Air Forces . It is headquartered at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska....
(Alaska) - Thirteenth Air ForceThirteenth Air ForceThe Thirteenth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Pacific Air Forces . It is headquartered at Hickam Air Force Base on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. 13 AF has never been stationed in the continental United States...
(Hawaii)
- Fifth Air Force
Subordinate unified commands
- U.S. Special Operations Command, PacificSpecial Operations Command, PacificThe Special Operations Command, Pacific, known as SOCPAC, is a command center of the military of the United States for special forces in the Pacific area.-History:...
(SOCPAC), Camp H. M. SmithCamp H. M. SmithCamp H. M. Smith is a United States Marine Corps installation in the Hawaiian town of Aiea on the island of Oahu, near the community of Halawa Heights...
, OahuOahuOahu or Oahu , known as "The Gathering Place", is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands and most populous of the islands in the U.S. state of Hawaii. The state capital Honolulu is located on the southeast coast...
(Hawaii)- Joint Task Force 510
- Joint Special Operation Task Force – Philippines
- 1st Special Forces Group
- 353rd Special Operations Group
- Naval Special Warfare Unit-1
- U.S. Forces, JapanUnited States Forces JapanThe refers to the various divisions of the United States Armed Forces that are stationed in Japan. Under the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan, the United States is obliged to defend Japan in close cooperation with the Japan Self-Defense Forces for...
(Yokota AB, near Tokyo) - U.S. Forces, KoreaUnited States Forces KoreaUnited States Forces Korea refers to the ground, air and naval divisions of the United States armed forces stationed in South Korea....
(Yongsan Army Garrison, Seoul) - Alaskan CommandAlaskan CommandThe Alaskan Command is a regional military command of the United States Armed Forces focusing on the state of Alaska. A sub-unified command of the United States Pacific Command, Alaskan Command is charged with maintaining air sovereignty, deploying forces for worldwide contingencies as directed by...
(Elmendorf AFB, Anchorage)
Standing joint task forces
- Joint Interagency Task Force WestJoint Interagency Task Force WestThe Joint Interagency Task Force West is a United States federal task forces with the responsibility to combat illegal drug trade-related transnational organized crime in the Asia-Pacific region. The Asia-Pacific area of responsibility for JIATF West includes 36 nations and nearly half of the...
(Camp H. M. SmithCamp H. M. SmithCamp H. M. Smith is a United States Marine Corps installation in the Hawaiian town of Aiea on the island of Oahu, near the community of Halawa Heights...
, Hawaii) - Joint POW/MIA Accounting CommandJoint POW/MIA Accounting CommandThe Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command is a joint task force within the United States Department of Defense whose mission is to account for Americans who are listed as Prisoners Of War , or Missing In Action , from all past wars and conflicts. It has been especially visible in conjunction with the...
(Hickam AFB, Hawaii) - Joint Task Force-Homeland DefenseJoint Task Force-Homeland DefenseSource: JTF-HD PAOCommander of U.S. Pacific Command established a Joint Task Force for Homeland Defense with Commander of U.S. Army, Pacific - Headquartered at Fort Shafer, Hawaii as the designated Commander.Mission...
(Ft. Shafter, Hawaii)
Additional supporting units
- Asia-Pacific Center for Security StudiesAsia-Pacific Center for Security StudiesThe is a United States Department of Defense regional study, conference, and research center established in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States on September 4, 1995. The Center supports the United States Pacific Command theater security cooperation strategy of maintaining positive security...
(Honolulu, Hawaii) - Joint Intelligence Operations Center (Pearl HarborPearl HarborPearl Harbor, known to Hawaiians as Puuloa, is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet...
, Hawaii) - Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian AssistanceCenter for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian AssistanceThe Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance is a direct reporting unit to the U.S. Pacific Command and principal agency to promote disaster preparedness and societal resiliency in the Asia-Pacific region...
(Tripler Army Medical CenterTripler Army Medical CenterTripler Army Medical Center is the headquarters of the Pacific Regional Medical Command of the armed forces administered by the United States Army in the State of Hawaii. It is the largest military hospital in the Asian and Pacific Rim region and serves a military sphere of jurisdiction that spans...
, Hawaii) - Pacific Disaster CenterPacific Disaster CenterPacific Disaster Center is an applied science, information and technology center, working to reduce disaster risks and impacts on life, property, and the economies worldwide. PDC’s ultimate goal is to foster the disaster resilience of communities through evidenced-based and informed decision...
for Disaster RecoveryDisaster recoveryDisaster recovery is the process, policies and procedures related to preparing for recovery or continuation of technology infrastructure critical to an organization after a natural or human-induced disaster. Disaster recovery is a subset of business continuity...
(DEMEmergency managementEmergency management is the generic name of an interdisciplinary field dealing with the strategic organizational management processes used to protect critical assets of an organization from hazard risks that can cause events like disasters or catastrophes and to ensure the continuance of the...
) Humanitarian Aid
From 1955 to 1979, the Command also included the United States Taiwan Defense Command
United States Taiwan Defense Command
The United States Taiwan Defense Command was a sub-unified command of the United States armed forces. It was originally formed as the Formosa Liaison Center . In November 1955, the FLC become the Taiwan Defense Command...
.
Humanitarian missions
- Operation TomodachiOperation Tomodachiis a United States Armed Forces assistance operation to support Japan in disaster relief following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. As of March 22, 2011, twenty U.S. naval ships, 140 aircraft, and 19,703 Marines and Sailors were involved in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief...
in Japan after 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunamiThe 2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tohoku, also known as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, or the Great East Japan Earthquake, was a magnitude 9.0 undersea megathrust earthquake off the coast of Japan that occurred at 14:46 JST on Friday, 11 March 2011, with the epicenter approximately east...