The Air National Guard, says Maine Gov. John Baldacci, has postponed a Sept. 2 hearing on its draft environmental impact statement for proposed changes to the Condor military operating area, in which it planned to fly low-level training flights. Air Guard officials met with state representatives and residents on Aug. 27, after which, Baldacci wrote the National Guard Bureau that ANG had “not met its burden of proof.” He asked for a delay of six to nine months. ANG held public hearings late last year, after which it agreed to conduct a full impact analysis. In his Aug. 28 letter, Baldacci cited views of state officials and residents who reviewed the subsequent draft analysis, saying, “These assessments strongly suggest that more work needs to be done.” (Governor’s statement with letter) (Also read Bethel Citizen report and Kennebec Journal Morning Sentinel report)
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