US Removes “Indo” From Pacific Command

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, D.C. —The U.S. Department of War announced June 16 that the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) will once again be known as the U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM), reversing a name change made in 2018.

The move does not affect the command’s mission, military operations, personnel, resources or area of responsibility. Its jurisdiction will continue to extend from the waters off the U.S. West Coast to the western border of India.

The command, which includes India within its area of responsibility, will maintain its existing commitment to working with regional allies and partners, according to a Department of War statement.

The department said the change restores the command’s historic identity. “Restoring the legacy USPACOM designation honors the command’s deep historical roots, fostering a sense of pride and collective spirit among all who serve in the Pacific,” it said.

Established by President Harry S. Truman on Jan. 1, 1947, the command operated as USPACOM for more than 70 years before it was renamed in 2018. It remains the oldest and largest of the United States’ unified combatant commands.

The command was renamed the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in May 2018 by then-U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who said the move recognized the increasing strategic connection between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

“Relationships with our Pacific and Indian Ocean allies and partners have proven critical to maintaining regional stability,” Mattis said at the time. “In recognition of the increasing connectivity between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, today we rename the U.S. Pacific Command to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.”

The Department of War said the latest change is largely symbolic and does not alter the command’s structure, responsibilities or regional focus.