French forces have returned to the coalition fight in Afghanistan, flying on May 2 their first mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom since November 2005. Air Force Maj. Gen. Allen Peck, the deputy Combined Force Air Component Commander, said the French delegation at the combined air and space operations center plays an important role in the OEF mission, helping to coordinate close air support, tactical reconnaissance, and aerial refueling missions. During their last tour in Southwest Asia, French aircrews flew more than 400 sorties, logging approximately 2,000 flying hours in the M-2000 Mirage, the F-1 Mirage, and the C-135 SR tanker.
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