AFSOC Predator Unit Stands Up: Air Force Special Operations Command does have its first Predator UAV squadron—the 3rd Special Operations Squadron—but it is still waiting on the unit’s aircraft, says AFSOC spokesman Matt Durham. AFSOC activated the unit on Oct. 28, 2005, at Nellis AFB, Nev., (with little public fanfare) from where it is moving to nearby Creech Air Force Base, home to USAF’s current Predator fleet and the UAV Center of Excellence. The 3rd SOS is part of AFSOC’s 16th Special Operations Wing, headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Fla.
Navy Adm. Samuel J. Paparo Jr. assumed leadership of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, succeeding Navy Adm. John Aquilino at a change of command ceremony, urging action amid China's “increasing intrusive and expansionist claims,” on May 3