Have you noticed the lack of official Pentagon comment on the BRAC commission final recommendations last week? The jury must still be out in DOD minds. Defense Secretary Rumsfeld said Monday that he has yet to decide whether he will recommend President Bush approve the finalized list, according to the Associated Press. Asked for comment during a visit to the Army training center at Ft. Irwin, Calif., Monday, he said the commissioners emphasized economics more than military value.
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