ABOUT THE EVENT

As the 25th Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command USINDOPACOM from 2018-2021, Admiral Philip Davidson commanded the largest of all of the U.S..’s unified combatant commands from 2018-2021. Arguably the nation’s most important command now and for many years to come, USINDOPACOM includes: China, Taiwan, the Korean Peninsula, the South China Sea, India and other areas of significant concern or potential conflict.

Almost 400,000 U.S. military and civilian personnel are assigned to the command which includes: U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific; U.S. Army Pacific ; U.S. Pacific Air Forces; and U.S. Pacific Fleet – which consists of approximately 200 ships (including five aircraft carrier strike groups).

As concerns have grown over possible confrontation in the region, especially as a result of a more militarily assertive China, USINDOPACOM is considered by many to be the most vital of all of the U.S.’s combatant commands. If a conflict or a war had broken out over the Korean Peninsula, Taiwan, the South China Sea or the contested border of China and India, Admiral Davidson would have led the U.S.’s military response.

Having been responsible for all U.S. military activity in the Indo-Pacific, Admiral Davidson understands, at a level shared by very few, the complex military realities of these dire possible clashes. He will also discuss the vital importance of the U.S. deepening key existing military alliances with Japan, South Korea and Australia and strengthening more recent partnerships with India and others.

Besides giving a stark overview of what a potential war for Taiwan would entail, Admiral Davidson will explain the best potential courses of action to prevent a war and strengthen the defensive capabilities of the Taiwanese military.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Admiral Philip Davidson – 25th Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command USINDOPACOM

Admiral Philip Davidson is the former 25th Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), America’s oldest and largest military combatant command, based in Hawai’i.

USINDOPACOM includes 380,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen and Department of Defense civilians and is responsible for all U.S. military activities in the Indo-Pacific, covering 36 nations, 14 time zones, and more than 50 percent of the world’s population.

Prior to becoming CDRUSINDOPACOM on May 30, 2018, he served as the commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command/Naval Forces U.S. Northern Command. He previously served as the commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, and the commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, while simultaneously serving as the deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa.

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Davidson is a 1982 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He is a surface warfare officer who has deployed across the globe in frigates, destroyers, cruisers, and aircraft carriers. His earlier sea commands included Carrier Strike Group 8/Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, USS Gettysburg (CG 64), and USS Taylor (FFG 50).

Ashore, Davidson has served in fleet, interagency, and joint tours as a flag officer; he was previously the director, Maritime Operations, U. S. Fleet Forces Command, the senior military advisor to the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan (SRAP) at the State Department, and the deputy director for Strategy and Policy in the Joint Staff/J-5.

He served earlier in his career in policy, strategy, and operations billets on multiple tours with the U.S. Pacific Fleet staff, the Navy staff and the Joint Staff, and as the Navy’s military aide to the vice president of the United States.

He is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval War College. He has a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies, and a Bachelor of Science in Physics.

His decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” a Superior Honor Award from the U.S. Department of State, and other personal, service, unit, and campaign awards.