CMSgt. Thomas Perry with the 53rd Combat Communications Group at Robins AFB, Ga., has received a Bronze Star medal for his actions while deployed to Southwest Asia to the Combined Air and Space Operations Center. According to his citation, Perry was “critical to ensuring enlisted force readiness and quality of life across 14 theater air bases.” For example, in one instance, he took only five days to resolve a billeting problem that had existed for a year. Perry said: “I’ve deployed many times, but all the other times were not at a headquarters. This assignment allowed me to get a more strategic operational view.” (Robins report by Wayne Crenshaw)
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