The F-22A Raptor will make its Pacific theater debut in June when 12 of the new stealth fighters from the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, Va., participate in Alaska’s Northern Edge 2006 exercise. Hosted by US Alaskan Command, the exercise comprises about 5,000 active and reserve personnel primarily from Pacific Air Forces, US Army Alaska, Marine Forces Pacific, US Pacific Fleet, and US Special Operations Command Pacific.
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