Air Combat Command’s demonstration squadron, the Thunderbirds, is scheduled to perform more than 70 aerial demonstrations in 27 states—a busy schedule and one that will also include the unit’s first female pilot, Capt. Nicole Malachowski. The T Birds are already looking beyond 2006 to the 2007-08 season, for which officials say they need seven new officers to replace those rotating off the team. It’s a two-year gig. Read more here.
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