OINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. » The U.S. Army says it’s moving its western medical headquarters from Washington state to Hawaii.

The Western Regional Medical Command, which is in charge of Army hospitals in 20 Western states, is at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The command has about 165 employees led by a major general.

The News Tribune says Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho announced the decision this week to Washington’s congressional delegation.

A two-star general position will be relocated to Honolulu, home of the Army’s Pacific headquarters. The medical commander would oversee health care and find ways to support military engagements along the Pacific Rim with foreign allies.

A deputy commander will remain at JBLM and would focus on patient care throughout the Pacific, which includes Madigan and Army hospitals in Alaska.

Army officials say civilian employees will be given opportunities to move to Hawaii.