As Cope India warmed up this week, 10 USAF communicators from the 35th Communications Squadron deployed from Misawa AB, Japan, with a theater deployable communication package and had the exercise comm operable within 48 hours. The airmen established satellite connectivity, enabling phones and Internet capability at Kalaikunda AS, India.
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