One pilot was killed and another sustained injuries when a two seat U-2 training aircraft crashed Tuesday near Beale AFB, Calif. The aircraft, a TU-2S, crashed near the Sutter Buttes in the Sacramento Valley at about 9:05 am local time. Photos of the scene show the charred wreckage of the aircraft, with its tail in tact, and a brush fire burning. The Air Force had five of the TU-2S variants, two-seat U-2s used for pilot training. The aircraft was assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron, 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale.
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