The Air Force has seen a spike in F-16 Class A accidents during the current fiscal year, but there hasn’t been a “common thread” or problem relating them, Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Moseley told the House Armed Services Committee Wednesday. Although USAF safety agencies are working hard to see what’s going on, Moseley said it might just be part of “the challenge of operating aging aircraft.” As we reported Wednesday, the 2007 mishap rate was the highest since 2001, when most of the accidents were linked to engine failure.
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