Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has warned US officials that he would consider sharing his country’s F-16 fighters with Cuba and China, according to the Associated Press. Chavez claims the Bush Administration has reneged on a contract to supply parts for his fleet of 21 Vipers. The aircraft were sold to Venezuela in 1983. DOD has denied that it has had any talks with Venezuela about sales to third countries.
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