The Defense Department on Sept. 2 halted DOD-funded travel for dependents to Adana, Turkey, along with the Pentagon’s announcement that dependents and American staff at the base and the US Consulate are authorized to leave that country. The Air Force said Sept. 4 that military and civilians with approved dependent travel who had not yet left their current duty stations must contact their local personnel sections for guidance. The Air Force also activated its personnel accountability and assessment system to monitor the recovery process for personnel. The decision to authorize the leave was made “out of an abundance of caution,” Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said Sept. 3.
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