United States Pacific Command

The United States Pacific Command, led by the Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific also called USPACOM and CDRUSPACOM, is the supreme military authority for the various branches of the Armed Forces of the United States serving within its area of responsibility. Only the President of the United States, who is Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and his council of joint chiefs has greater authority. It is the oldest and largest of the unified command. Based in Honolulu, Hawai'i on the island of O'ahu, the United States Pacific Command's sphere of jurisdiction encompasses all of Asia, Australia, East Africa and the Pacific Rim. It also has control over military operations in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Area of Responsibility

Within the United States Pacific Command's area of responsibility are over fifty percent of the world's surface area, sixty percent of the world's population, forty-three countries and their twenty territories and posessions as well as ten territories and posessions of the United States. It is charged with preserving and protecting seven mutual defense treaties signed by the United States with its allies. Thirty-five percent of the total trade the United States does globally falls within the watch of the United States Pacific Command. Five of the world's largest militaries are monitored by the United States Pacific Command: Peoples Republic of China, Russia, India, North Korea and South Korea.

Headquarters

Offices for the United States Pacific Command are based at the Nimitz-MacArthur Pacific Command Center at Camp H.M. Smith near suburban Salt Lake and Moanalua. The staff is comprised of over 530 air force, army, coast guard, marine corps and navy officers and enlisted personnel with the support of an additional 110 civilian personnel.

Establishment

The United States Pacific Command was established on January 1, 1947 by President Harry Truman and was originally headquartered in the Salt Lake subdivision of Honolulu. It took control over all Armed Forces of the United States in what was once called the Pacific Theater during World War II. In 1972, the United States Pacific Command's responsibilities were greatly expanded to include the Indian Ocean, Southern Asia, and the Arctic. In 1976, it was again expanded to include parts of Africa. President Ronald Reagan expanded it again with the inclusion of the People's Republic of China, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Mongolia and Madagascar. In 1989, actions were taken to clarify the extent of authority given to the Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific who became the most centralized military figure after the President.

Resources