There were no fatalities when an MH-53 Pave Low helicopter from the 20th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla., crashed Sept. 7 at nearby Duke Field. Two airmen suffered minor injuries and five others were unhurt. The aircraft was on a routine training flight. The Air Force has launched an investigation in what officials have termed a “hard landing,” according to a 1st Special Operations Wing release. Firemen from Eglin AFB, Fla., put out an initial fire.
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