US restores Pacific Command name, reversing Indo-Pacific designation

The United States Department of Defense announced on Tuesday that it is restoring the name of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command to the U.S. Pacific Command, reversing a 2018 decision.

The change does not alter the command’s area of responsibility, which extends from the western coast of India to the Pacific coast of the United States, a statement said. The command’s fundamental mission and its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region alongside allies and partners remain unchanged.

The restoration “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.

The U.S. Pacific Command was originally established after the Second World War. In 2018, it was renamed the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command to reflect the growing strategic importance of the Indian Ocean region.

The decision to revert to the original name comes after a review and is seen as a move to acknowledge the command’s legacy. No further changes to command structure or personnel are expected.