Adm. Sam Paparo Takes Charge of Indo-Pacific Command as China Extends Influence in the Region

Navy Adm. Sam Paparo on Friday took over for Adm. John Aquilino as commander of all U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific Command region at a ceremony at a pier looking out at the battleship USS Missouri and the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

The change of command not only represents a turnover of leadership in a combatant command that spans about half the Earth's surface but also one that has gained significance as China's efforts to exert control over an increasing area of the Pacific have intensified.

Underscoring the significance of the position, the change of command was not only attended by top military officials like Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro but also defense ministers from Australia and the Philippines and the heads of state from the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau.