The declaration by Gov. Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania that his plan to preserve Willow Grove as a military airfield does not include commercial or civilian aviation only goes as far as the next election. So says Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.) who is looking for a legislative means to make that plan gold even after Rendell leaves office, reports the Bucks County Courier Times. Rendell, who fought a rear guard action by some Pennsylvania residents who feel there is no fail-safe against civilian and commercial air, was able to secure legislative approval for his plan, trumping a procedural objection from the Navy.
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