INDOPACOM nominee advances toward confirmation vote

The Senate Armed Services Committee today voted to advance the nomination of Adm. Samuel Paparo to be chief of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, sending the matter to the full Senate for a confirmation vote.

Paparo, who was first nominated in July, currently serves as the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. If confirmed, he will succeed Adm. John Aquilino as INDOPACOM commander.

Paparo has recently discussed the need for autonomous systems to provide “persistent stare” over his area of responsibility to better deter China from possible military action against Taiwan.

He has also raised alarm over congressional budgetary dysfunction and the negative impact it is having on the Navy’s buying power.