Hirono Votes to Advance Admiral Aquilino’s Nomination for Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Chair of the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, voted with her Senate Armed Services Committee colleagues to unanimously advance the nomination of Admiral John C. Aquilino to serve as the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command. Admiral Aquilino’s nomination now goes to the full Senate for consideration.
"At a time when we are confronting an increasingly aggressive China and looking to deepen our defense ties with allies in the region, it is imperative we have an experienced leader at Indo-Pacific Command capable of meeting the urgency and sensitivity of the moment - that leader is Admiral John Aquilino,” Senator Hirono said. “I have worked with Admiral Aquilino during his service as the Commander of the Pacific Fleet and know that he has a deep understanding of Hawaii’s strategic importance to our national security. I am confident in his ability to lead our armed forces in the Indo-Pacific and await his swift confirmation by the full Senate so I can continue to work with him.”
Senator Hirono introduced Admiral Aquilino during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee in late March 2021. Admiral Aquilino has served as Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet since 2018. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Admiral Aquilino is a naval aviator and previously served as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet/Combined Maritime Forces. During his 37 year career, Admiral Aquilino has also commanded an aircraft carrier strike group, carrier air wing, and fighter squadron.
Headquartered at Camp H.M. Smith in Hawaii, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is the oldest and largest of the United States' combatant commands. The commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command reports to the President of the United States through the Secretary of Defense and is supported by multiple component and sub-unified commands including: U.S. Forces Korea, U.S. Forces Japan, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Marine Forces Pacific, U.S. Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Army Pacific.
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