Ukraine is now free of Scud missiles and infrastructure on its territory thanks to US support and funding, the State Department announced Wednesday. The parties destroyed or demilitarized more than 185 Scud missile airframes and 50 transporter erector launchers. They also eliminated support equipment, such as refueling trucks, warhead transport vans, command and control trucks, and other items during this initiative, which concluded on Monday. In addition, the United States is helping Ukraine safely get rid of 1441 tons of Scud liquid oxidizer fuel that otherwise could have posed an environmental and safety threat to Ukraine’s population.
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