Chris Heins

U.S. Pacific Fleet

U.S. Pacific Fleet advances Indo-Pacific regional maritime security and enhances stability. The world's largest fleet command, the U.S. Pacific Fleet encompasses 100 million square miles, nearly half the Earth's surface, from Antarctica to the Arctic circle and from the West Coast of the United States into the Indian Ocean. The U.S. Pacific Fleet consists of approximately 200 ships, 1,500 aircraft, and 150,000 military and civilian personnel. Adm. Samuel J. Paparo is the current commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He is the 37th commander since the fleet's Pearl Harbor headquarters was established in February 1941. Past commanders of the Pacific Fleet include such naval giants as Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz and Admiral Raymond Spruance The Navy's history in the Pacific actually spans more than a century and a half. Through the years, the Pacific Fleet commander's vision, mission and guiding principles have evolved as its challenges have changed. But many Navy customs and traditions have continued over the years, making the Navy unique among the services. Under the current organization and command structure, the U.S. Pacific Fleet staff reports administratively to the Chief of Naval Operations and operationally to the U.S. Pacific Command, whose headquarters are at nearby Camp H.M. Smith. Commands that fall directly under the Pacific Fleet include "type" commands for surface ships, submarines and aircraft as well as Navy construction. Operational commands that report directly to the U.S. Pacific Fleet include Third Fleet in the Eastern Pacific and Seventh Fleet in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. To Sailors beginning a tour at Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, we offer a hearty Welcome Aboard!