Air Force officials approved building a new 50,000 square-foot Airman Heritage Museum to better showcase enlisted history at JB San Antonio-Lackland, Tex., home to USAF basic training. The current 6,778 square-foot museum “is limited in exhibit space and accessibility,” explained Jaime Vazquez, Lackland Gateway Heritage Foundation president. “Building the new facility adjacent to the parade ground will provide easy access for the approximately 3,000 family members and friends of trainees who attend the basic military training graduation parade each week,” he stressed. The planned two-story museum and learning center complex will highlight the history of basic and enlisted technical training, educating airmen and their families about the enlisted force’s heritage. “Our enlisted warriors past and present represent the very best our nation has to offer, demonstrating extraordinary devotion,” said CMSAF James Roy. The facility is scheduled to open in September 2017. (San Antonio-Lackland report by SSgt. Clinton Atkins)
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