After the terrorist bombing at Khobar Towers in June, the Air Force moves to a more secure hub for Southern Watch operations, relocating to Prince Sultan Air Base in the Saudi Arabian desert.
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