U.S. Pacific Command restores historic name, dropping “Indo”

The U.S. Department of War announced on 17 June 2026 that the United States Indo‑Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) will revert to its original designation, United States Pacific Command (USPACOM). The change is presented as a tribute to the command’s “deep historical roots” and its legacy dating back to its creation by President Harry Truman on 1 January 1947.

The command’s area of responsibility – stretching from the U.S. West Coast to the western border of India – and its core mission to maintain a free and open theater, deter aggression, and provide humanitarian assistance remain unchanged. Admiral Samuel Paparo continues as the commander.

The renaming reverses a 2018 decision by the Trump administration, which added “Indo‑Pacific” to highlight India’s growing strategic role and the broader Indo‑Pacific concept. Indian MP Shashi Tharoor called the move “another nail in the Quad coffin,” suggesting a symbolic downgrading of India’s importance, though U.S. officials say the operational scope is unaffected. The decision arrives amid broader U.S. efforts to emphasize historic military terminology, including a recent rebranding of the Defense Department as the Department of War.