Pentagon shifts Greenland oversight to Northern Command

​​​​​WASHINGTON

The Pentagon said Tuesday that it shifted the Greenland area of responsibility from the US European Command to the US Northern Command.

Spokesman Sean Parnell released a statement noting that the decision aligns with President Donald Trump's intent and the Interim National Defense Strategic Guidance.

"This change will strengthen the Joint Force's ability to defend the U.S. homeland, contributing to a more robust defense of the western hemisphere and deepening relationships with Arctic allies and partners," Parnell said.

He said the department reviews the Unified Command Plan every two years and as needed to ensure that each combatant command is properly structured.

Last week, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth seemed to confirm at a congressional hearing that the Pentagon has developed contingency plans for potential military operations in Greenland and Panama.

"Our job at the Defense Department is to have plans for any contingency," Hegseth said multiple times when asked by Democratic Rep. Adam Smith if the Pentagon had plans to take Greenland or Panama by force if needed.

"Any contingency you need, we've got it," Hegseth said. "We got a building full of planners, and we're prepared to give recommendations whenever needed."