USAF civil engineers at Sather Air Base, near Baghdad Airport in Iraq, are working to complete some $3.3 million in projects to improve the quality of life for US forces deployed to the facility. One key “highly anticipated” project, reports the Sather Pathfinder, is construction of showers and latrines, slated for completion in mid-January. They are also putting up a Services tent, complete with a fitness area, and additional shelters for vehicle maintenance and supply.
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