Hundreds gathered at Eglin AFB, Fla., to pay homage to fallen explosive ordnance disposal technicians during the 43rd annual EOD memorial ceremony. Family members, friends, and colleagues watched as the names of five airmen, five marines, five soldiers, and three sailors who died in the line of duty in the past year while serving overseas were added to the EOD Memorial Wall during the solemn May 5 ceremony. The memorial wall now includes the names of 287 fallen EOD technicians, according to Eglin officials. “I am proud to bear witness today to the enormous respect that the men and women of our joint and coalition team have for EOD operators,” said Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz at the ceremony. “Your loved ones’ commitment to making the world a safer place inspires us all, and their sacrifice strengthens our lasting commitment to that enduring ideal,” he added. (Eglin report by Lois Walsh)
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