Special Operations Command Pacific

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Special Operations Command Pacific SOCPAC serves as the functional component for all special forces missions in the Indo-Pacific.

In October 1983, the Joint Chiefs of Staff directed the establishment of Special Operations Commands in the Pacific and European Theaters. Special Operations Command, Pacific was subsequently activated on 1 November 1983 with a total strength of only 13 personnel. Six years later, on 28 December 1989, SOCPAC was assigned operational control of what is now the 353rd Special Operations Wing and 1st

Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), which are located on Okinawa, Japan at Kadena Air Base and Torii Station, respectively. On 8 July 1991, SOCPAC assumed operational control of what is now known as Naval Special Warfare Unit One, located at Apra Harbor Naval Station, Guam.

SOCPAC welcomed The Honorable Derrick M. Anderson, Assistant Secretary of War for Special Operations and Low-Intensity C...
12/06/2026

SOCPAC welcomed The Honorable Derrick M. Anderson, Assistant Secretary of War for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, during a recent visit to the command.

While visiting SOCPAC, Anderson met with personnel and received updates on ongoing special operations forces operations, priorities, and initiatives across the Indo-Pacific region. As part of the visit, he recognized five SOCPAC members with coins for their outstanding performance, professionalism, and dedication to mission success. The coins were presented in the presence of SOCPAC Commander Maj. Gen. Jeffrey VanAntwerp and Command Master Chief Joaquin Martinez, highlighting the importance of the recognition.

06/05/2026
Philippine and U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific execute military free-fall operations during Exercise Balikatan 2...
30/04/2026

Philippine and U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific execute military free-fall operations during Exercise Balikatan 2026 over the Philippines, April 2026.

Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military that highlights the strength of our alliance, enhances combined capabilities, and reinforces our shared commitment to regional peace and prosperity.

📸: U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Alisha Grezlik

Allies in action at sea during Exercise Balikatan 2026 🌊🤝U.S. Naval Special Warfare, U.S. Air Force Special Operations C...
29/04/2026

Allies in action at sea during Exercise Balikatan 2026 🌊🤝

U.S. Naval Special Warfare, U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, Joint Special Operations Command, and Armed Forces of the Philippines operators conducted Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) training at Subic Bay on April 22, 2026.

This training strengthens interoperability by ensuring partner forces operate with shared procedures, communication, and tactics during maritime operations.

Balikatan, a longstanding annual exercise between the United States and the Philippines, highlights the strength of the alliance, enhances combined capabilities, and reinforces a shared commitment to regional peace and prosperity.

📸 U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Arnet Tamayo

U.S. and Thai teams are working side by side to keep communities safe. 🇺🇸🇹🇭Recently, U.S. Special Operations Command Pac...
27/04/2026

U.S. and Thai teams are working side by side to keep communities safe. 🇺🇸🇹🇭

Recently, U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific Civil Military Support Element–Thailand partnered with Thailand Border Patrol Unit 337 in Mae Hong Son Province to strengthen swift water rescue capabilities. Together, they trained in navigating fast-moving rivers, rescuing people in flood-prone areas, water safety, and emergency care.

These life-saving skills not only help protect local communities and the more than 21,000 Americans living in northern Thailand—they also support border security efforts. By improving response and mobility in remote areas, Thai partners are better equipped to disrupt criminal trafficking networks before they pose a threat.

Stronger partnerships. Safer communities. 🌊💪

24/04/2026

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Robert Ewing and Commander of the Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) Major General Jeffrey VanAntwerp discussed 🇺🇸🤝🇵🇭 efforts to deter regional threats, enhance defense cooperation, and reinforce our collective commitment to a .

27/11/2025
26/11/2025

Celebrating 42 Years of SOCPAC

This November marks 42 years since SOCPAC was first formed with a team of just 18 personnel. Today, the command continues to support partners and operations across the Indo-Pacific with agility, strength, and unwavering commitment.

Here’s to 42 years of excellence and all who carry this legacy forward.
353rd Special Operations Wing Marine Forces Special Operations Command 1st Special Forces Command - Airborne Naval Special Warfare Command United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) U.S. Indo-Pacific Command

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