Navy Adm. John Aquilino, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, has been nominated to lead U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii, the Department of Defense announced Thursday.
If confirmed, Aquilino will lead a unified combatant command that works with other U.S. government agencies to ensure stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
He previously served in multiple fighter squadrons that flew F-18 C/E/F Hornet and F-14 A/B Tomcat aircraft and worked as an adversary instructor pilot for the A-4, F-5 and F-16N platforms.
His flag assignments include time as director of strategy and policy at the U.S. Joint Forces Command, deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans and strategy and commander of Naval Forces Central Command.
The admiral became U.S. Pacific Fleet's 36th commander in May 2018, and is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit and Air Medal, among other military awards.
