Members of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing at the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, (formerly called Manas Air Base) hosted a team of Kyrgyz officials for five days in mid-December to instruct them on the installation’s explosive ordnance disposal operations. The visitors included Kyrgyz security forces, immigration officials, and national defense representatives. They received classroom briefings and practical field demonstrations of EOD methodologies and emergency response procedures. “Terrorism has no boundaries. We are all fighting a common enemy,” said Lt. Col. Frank Davis, EOD staff officer at Manas. He added, “It is crucial that we build up the skills of our partners with the intention of having them develop a possible EOD force capable of deploying.” Col. Nurlan Alymkylov, leader of the Kyrgyz team, said the exchange was “a good opportunity for us to share and learn information with you.” (Manas report by SSgt. Olufemi Owolabi)
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