Air Force officials may present an alternate strategy to the defense acquisition board by September for acquiring next-generation communications terminals for the nuclear deterrence mission. Global Security Newswire reports that USAF is preparing the alternative plan as a hedge since the current contractor has been delayed in delivering these Family of Advanced Beyond-Line-of-Sight Terminals. They are being built to reside in B-2 and B-52 bombers and air and ground command posts, allowing them to send and receive jam-proof information through Advanced Extremely High Frequency communications satellites. During an industry day in July, Air Force officials expressed the desire to install the terminals in mid-decade, earlier than what may be possible under the current acquisition program, according to GSN. The Air Force placed the first AEHF satellite in space on Aug. 14.
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