US Central Command Air Forces executed a close air support mission for coalition forces in contact with anti-Iraqi forces in the vicinity of Balad, Iraq. On Dec. 20, USAF F-16s strafed an enemy location and fired precision guided munitions, while US Navy F-14s strafed anti-Iraqi forces setting up an improvised explosive device.
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