Senator Hirono Statement Following Indo-Pacific Change of Command

HONOLULU – Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Chair of the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, issued the following statement after Admiral John C. Aquilino assumed command of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, following last week’s unanimous Senate confirmation vote: 

“Last month, I introduced and endorsed Admiral Aquilino when the Senate Armed Services Committee considered his nomination to serve as Commander of the Indo-Pacific Command. After working with Admiral Aquilino, I know he understands Hawaii’s strategic importance to our national security, and the need to continue strengthening relationships with our allies in the region as we confront increasing aggression by China and other nations. I strongly supported his Senate confirmation, and I look forward to our ongoing partnership now that he has assumed command at USINDOPACOM. I am confident he and his team will continue to collaborate and support whole-of-government solutions to problems our nation faces.”

In March 2021, Senator Hirono introduced and endorsed Admiral Aquilino during his Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. Earlier this month, the Senator voted to advance Admiral Aquilino’s nomination out of the Senate Armed Services Committee and urged the full Senate to swiftly confirm him.

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