The plan to merge active and Air National Guard forces to create a squadron of C-17 airlifters at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, is now a year old and heading into the home stretch—the first of eight C-17s are due to arrive in January. This Future Total Force initiative, says CMSgt. Scott Yerxa, has been an “almost seamless” blending of a “great group of professionals.” Some Guard backers have raised doubts about the FTF project, claiming it will weaken ANG units.
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