Recent official discussions about transferring command of forces in South Korea to Seoul have focused exclusively on ground forces, according to Gen. Paul Hester, commander of Pacific Air Forces. Defense officials from both sides have denied reports that the discussions do not include air assets. However, Hester told Air Force Magazine in an interview Tuesday that operational command of USAF assets in Korea will remain with 7th Air Force.
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