The three airmen killed Jan. 7 by an improvised explosive device in the Baghdad area were TSgt. Timothy R. Weiner, 35, of Tamarac, Fla.; SrA. Elizabeth A. Loncki, 23, of New Castle, Del.; and SrA. Daniel B. Miller Jr., 24, from Galesburg, Ill. All three were explosive ordnance disposal airmen deployed to Iraq from Hill AFB, Utah. A Pentagon statement on Tuesday did not identify the fourth airman who was injured. A release from Hill Air Force Base noted that Weiner had entered the service in 1960; Loncki in 2003; and Miller in 2004. The base plans a memorial service on Jan. 12.
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