Two Fairchild AFB, Wash., airmen, both explosive ordnance disposal technicians, have received medals for heroism while deployed to Iraq. TSgt. Jesus Hernandez received a Bronze Star and SrA. Amos Smith an Army Commendation Medal with “V” device. Hernandez led 93 missions to dismantle improvised explosive devices, often while under direct attack. Smith, also at Sather, helped save military personnel involved in a Humvee rollover into a water filled canal.
Unmanned aerial vehicles are fair game for U.S. Special Operations Command’s armed overwatch platform competition, Air Force Special Operations Command boss Lt. James C. “Jim” Slife told reporters on Feb. 26. However, the MQ-9 Reaper drone might not be up to the challenge in its current form, he suggested during…