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The United States Pacific Command (USPACOM), led by the Commander, Pacific Command (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 commands. Based in Honolulu, Hawai'i on the island of O'ahu, the United States Pacific Command's sphere of control extends from the west coast of the United States mainland to the east coast of Africa (excluding the waters north of 5° S and west of 68° E), encompassing Southeast Asia, Australia, East Africa and the Pacific Rim. It also has control over US military operations in the Pacific, including the state of Hawaii, Indian Oceans as well as over forces in Alaska.

The main combat power of USPACOM is formed by U.S. Army Pacific, Marine Forces Pacific, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Pacific Air Forces.

Area of responsibility

Within the United States Pacific Command's area of jurisdiction are over fifty percent of the world's surface area —approximately 105 million square miles (nearly 272 million square kilometers)—, nearly sixty percent of the world's population, forty-three countries and their twenty territories and possessions as well as ten territories and possessions of the United States.

It is charged with preserving and protecting five out of seven mutual defense treaties signed by the United States with its allies:

  • U.S./Republic of the Philippines (Mutual Defense Treaty, 1952)
  • U.S./Australia (ANZUS - U.S., 1952)
  • U.S./Republic of Korea (Mutual Defense Treaty, 1954)
  • U.S./France/Australia/New Zealand/Thailand/Philippines (South East Asia Collective Defense, 1955)
  • U.S./Japan (Mutual Defense Treaty, 1960)

Thirty-five percent of the total trade the United States globally falls within the watch of the United States Pacific Command, amounting to more than $548 billion in 1998. Five of the world's largest militaries are monitored by the United States Pacific Command: People's Republic of China, India, Russia, 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.

Commanders

Commanders, U.S. Pacific Command/Commanders, U.S. Pacific Fleet

Commanders, U.S. Pacific Command

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, Pacific Command.

Resources

Commands of the United States armed forces

United States Pacific Command | United States Pacific Command | アメリカ太平洋軍 | U.S. Pacific Command | Pacifiško poveljstvo ZDA

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "United States Pacific Command".

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