Veterans Affairs Secretary James Nicholson joined other officials to break ground in Puerto Rico Oct. 2 for a new six-story tower at the southern tip of the San Juan VA Medical Center, according to a VA news release. The tower will hold 314 beds and feature emergency power capability, energy efficient heating and air conditioning. VA expects to complete construction in 2009.
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