Instructor pilots with the 12th Flying Training Wing at Randolph AFB, Tex., brought their T-6A Texan II trainers to Cannon AFB, N.M., where they hoped to entice a few fighter pilots to cross over into the IP world, reports CMSgt. Gary Emery. Since Cannon is giving up its F-16 force, the 12th Operations Group commander, Col. Christopher Weggeman, himself a former Viper pilot, thought he might garner a few volunteers to help “forge Air Force aviators with a combat mentality early on,” says Maj. Paul Dupuis. He and Maj. Tommy Hudnall got the call to provide orientation rides on the Texan and apparently sparked some interest.
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