Reflecting the growing strategic objectives in the Asia-Pacific region, the Army elevated U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) to a four-star command, putting its new four-star commander on a par with counterparts in the region.
Gen. Vincent Brooks pinned on his fourth star and took command of the newly-elevated U.S. Army Pacific in ceremonies in Hawaii July 2. Brooks had been commanding Third Army, the service component command of U.S. Central Command.
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond Odierno presided over the ceremonies. He received a crystal eagle, the Inouye Star, from Irene Inouye, wife of the late Hawaiian Sen. Daniel Inouye. The eagle will be displayed at USARPAC headquarters, a tribute and reminder of the Senator’s role in making the command a four-star headquarters.
Brooks pledged his support to work toward “a more secure and prosperous region,” the Army said in a statement.
The four-star command now allows the Army to broaden political-military aims through increased shaping activities and building partner capacity in the USAPAC area of responsibility. That area is home to seven of the 10 largest armies in the world, and is an area where army leaders are the top political leadership or strongly influence the top leaders.
Traveling to the ceremonies were representatives from all over the command’s area.
Brooks became the ninth officer to become general and command U.S. Army Pacific. He now commands more than 80,000 soldiers based in Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Japan and South Korea. Forces from Joint Base Lewis-McChord are part of the new concept of regionally aligned forces with U.S. Pacific Command. This is part of the effort to make the force regionally engaged and globally responsible.
Brooks succeeds Lt. Gen. Francis Wiercinski, who retires later this year after 34 years of service.