The Indo-Pacific (INDOPAC) region is the geopolitical and economic center of gravity in the 21st century. Stretching from the west coast of the United States to the Indian Ocean, this vast area is home to the world’s most dynamic economies, critical trade routes, and emerging security challenges. As a former Commander of U.S. Naval Air Forces Pacific, I have witnessed firsthand the region’s strategic complexity and the evolving role of our Nation’s joint force along with allies and partners in maintaining the stability of the region for the last 80 years.
The Indo-Pacific is not just a priority—it is the future of global security, and our approach must be deliberate, adaptive, and forward-looking.
The Strategic Importance Of INDOPAC
The Indo-Pacific is home to over half the world’s population and nearly two-thirds of global GDP. It hosts some of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes, with the South China Sea alone accounting for one-third of global shipping. The region is also the epicenter of strategic competition, with China’s rapid military expansion, territorial disputes, and efforts to assert influence through economic and military means reshaping the security landscape.
U.S. interests in the region are clear: freedom of navigation, adherence to international law, strong alliances, and deterrence against destabilizing activities. The U.S. Navy plays a crucial role in this equation, ensuring open sea lanes, conducting joint exercises with allies, and deterring aggression through a persistent forward presence. Companies like Parsons are instrumental in this mission, providing advanced technology solutions to enhance maritime security, cybersecurity resilience, and intelligence capabilities that strengthen our strategic posture in INDOPAC.
Parsons’ Strategic Investment In Hawaii
Recognizing the critical role of the Indo-Pacific in global security, Parsons has expanded its presence to the island of Oahu, a key hub for U.S. military operations in the region. Hawaii’s strategic location makes it an essential forward operating base for U.S. forces, serving as a bridge between the continental United States and the broader Indo-Pacific theater. INDOPAC’s “tyranny of distance” is unique to this region and sets it apart from any other geographic component commander. San Diego to Hawaii is over 2,500 miles. Hawaii to Guam (2nd island chain) is over 3,800 miles, and Guam to Manila (1st island chain) is over 1,600 miles. Successful deterrence is dependent on agile, redundant and resilient supply chains. That logistics “tail” is essential if conflict occurs. Parsons’ presence in Hawaii and strategic partnerships with world-class logistics experts and providers gives us a unique opportunity to solve the most complex logistics problems across the phases of competition.
Given the geopolitical climate, including rising tensions in the South China Sea and the need for enhanced missile defense and cybersecurity infrastructure, Parsons’ investment in Hawaii underscores its commitment to strengthening national defense and supporting military readiness.
By establishing a headquarters on Oahu, Parsons is positioned to better provide cutting-edge technology solutions, real-time intelligence support, and critical infrastructure modernization that will bolster U.S. capabilities in deterring threats and maintaining regional stability in INDOPAC.
Lessons From Experience
Throughout my career, I have worked closely with allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific, from Japan and South Korea to Australia and India. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that presence equals influence. Whether through joint training, humanitarian missions, or multinational operations, the strength of U.S. engagement in the region is measured by our ability to build trust and interoperability with partners. INDOPAC plays a crucial role in these efforts.
In my time commanding air and maritime forces in the Pacific, I saw the direct impact of high-end naval capabilities, real-time intelligence, and strategic deterrence in maintaining regional stability. However, maintaining a competitive edge requires constant adaptation—whether integrating unmanned systems, leveraging artificial intelligence, or strengthening cyber resilience. Companies like Parsons are leading the way in these areas, developing AI-driven analytics, autonomous systems integration, and next-generation mission support to help the U.S. maintain its advantage in a rapidly evolving threat environment.
Parsons And INDOPACOM Alignment
Parsons has emerged as a key player in delivering capabilities in this region. We have coordinated capabilities and actions to deliver outcomes to the Commanders of INDOPAC and each of the components. Our portfolio, from complex project management to space enabled warfare has earned Parsons “a seat at the table.” We’ve proven ourselves as both partner and lead on myriad projects.
This is an exciting time to be with Parsons and to be forward in Oahu. The Indo-Pacific will define the future of global stability, and the United States must remain fully committed to its role as a stabilizing force in INDOPAC. As someone who has spent a career operating in this critical region, I believe that through strength, adaptability, and partnership, Parsons can significantly contribute to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific for generations to come.
The challenges are significant, but so are the opportunities. The time to act is now, and with the support of industry leaders like Parsons, we are better positioned than ever to meet the demands of an increasingly complex security environment.