Navy Adm. Timothy Keating, who relinquished command of NORAD and US Northern Command on March 23, now has assumed command of US Pacific Command, taking over from acting commander Air Force Lt. Gen. Daniel P. Leaf. “He is fully prepared to continue the record of accomplishments that the countries of this region have built together,” Defense Secretary Robert Gates said of Keating during the change of command ceremony. Keating’s new territory includes 43 countries.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.