Construction of the Ronald Reagan Memorial is now underway at Vandenberg AFB, Calif. The Air Force began the project with a groundbreaking ceremony Aug. 29 at North Base, reports SrA. Stephen Cadette. “This memorial will last for generations of people watching a launch,” said Ron Cortopassi, 30th Space Wing director of staff. “When they come here, they will learn about President Reagan’s contributions to missile defense.” Icon Consulting Group, Inc. won the contract to construct the limestone memorial for $344,200 and is set to complete construction in January 2008. The memorial will feature the bronze bust and plaque unveiled last year.
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