The United States Department of War announced that it would restore the name of the US Pacific Command, reversing a 2018 decision that redesignated it as the US Indo-Pacific Command.
In a statement released on June 16, 2026, the Pentagon said the change would not affect the command’s area of responsibility, which spans from western India to the Pacific coastline of the United States.
The department noted that the command’s core mission and commitment to maintaining a free and open region alongside allies and strategic partners would remain unchanged.
According to the statement, the decision to revert to the Pacific Command designation is intended to honour the command’s long-standing history and heritage.
“The name change honours the command’s deep historical roots, fostering a sense of pride and collective spirit among all who serve in the Pacific,” the department said.
No further details were provided regarding the rationale behind the move.
The US Pacific Command was established by former President Harry Truman after World War II and operated under that name for more than 70 years.
In 2018, the command was renamed the US Indo-Pacific Command to reflect the growing strategic importance of the Indian Ocean and Washington’s broader efforts to counter China’s expanding influence across the Asia-Pacific region.
AFP
