world
Pentagon Restores Pacific Command Name After Eight Years
The Pentagon restored the name Pacific Command for the combatant command previously known as Indo-Pacific Command. Officials said the area of responsibility remains unchanged and the command continues its mission with regional partners.
Defense NewsAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
The Pentagon restored the original name Pacific Command for the combatant command covering waters from the U.S. West Coast to India's western border.
A department notice posted Tuesday night stated the border delineation of the combatant command will remain the same. Officials said the command continues its fundamental mission of maintaining a free and open theater alongside partners and allies. A separate press release noted that restoring the legacy designation honors the command's deep historical roots and fosters pride among personnel.
The move reverses a name change made eight years ago under Defense Secretary James Mattis. At the time, Mattis said the earlier shift recognized increasing connectivity between the Indian and Pacific oceans. "Over many decades, this command has repeatedly adapted to changing circumstance and today carries that legacy forward as America focuses west," Mattis said in May 2018.
This week's action follows other name restorations inside the department over the past year-and-a-half. Officials have also weighed a potential overhaul of the command structure that could lead to combining combatant commands.
