Adm. John Aquilino Chosen to Be Next Head of US Indo-Pacific Command
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The White House has appointed Adm. John “Lung” Aquilino become the next chef U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, the Pentagon announced Thursday.
A career aviator, Aquilino is currently Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet and previously commanded U.S. 5th Fleet before taking the helm of PACFLEET in 2018.
His appointment as head of the combatants’ command is subject to the approval of the Senate.
he would replace Adm. Phil Davidson, which took command of INDO-PACOM in 2018, when the name of the joint force was changed from US Pacific Command.
If confirmed, Aquilino would take over a fighter command with a lot of work to do.
INDO-PACOM oversees U.S. forces throughout Asia and the Indian Ocean, an area where the Navy plans to establish a new command, 1st American fleet, to help counter Chinese influence and aspirations at the junction of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
The the Wall Street newspaper first broke news of Aquilino’s expected appointment on Monday.
Geoff is a senior reporter for Military Times, focusing on the Navy. He has covered Iraq and Afghanistan extensively and was recently a reporter for the Chicago Tribune. He welcomes all kinds of advice at [email protected]