On Aug. 27, USAF F-16s flew a pre-planned air strike in the vicinity of Baquaba, Iraq, expending two GBU-38s against an improvised explosive device staging site used by anti-Iraqi forces.
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