Airmen deployed to Islamabad, Pakistan, unloaded the 250th aircraft taking part in what is now known as Operation Lifeline, the earthquake relief efforts for the victims of the October’s earthquake. The 250th aircraft—an Idaho Air National Guard C-130—arrived on Nov. 29 at Chaklala AB, Pakistan, from Afghanistan, with five pallets of medical supplies and relief materials. Since the 818th Contingency Response Group and 24th Air Expeditionary Group arrived on Oct. 11, they have moved nearly 14.5 million pounds of humanitarian cargo and have offloaded cargo from more than 20 countries.
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