Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway told defense reporters in Washington yesterday that his “fervent desire” is to get the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft deployed to Iraq for the war on terror as soon as possible. “I’ve been in the aircraft three times—it’s a marvelous aircraft,” he said, adding, “It’s going to revolutionize helicopter flight, and the expansions beyond that. I think it’s going to prove itself rapidly.” However, Conway said the Corps is “not ready to make that public statement” about when the V-22 can be expected to join the fight.
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