The state of Oregon called the Air National Guard’s 125th Special Tactics Squadron at Portland into action to help evacuate up to 400 residents from areas flooded by recent storms. Working with Army Guardsmen, the special operations airmen deployed four Zodiac boats to pick up stranded residents since weather conditions prohibited rescue by air. The 125th STS, slated to reach operational readiness this month, is one of AFSOC’s newest special tactics units, which comprise combat controllers, pararescue jumpers, combat weathermen, and support personnel trained to conduct operations in enemy territory. (National Guard Bureau report.)
Newly elected Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has indicated he desires warmer relations with Beijing, saying he is even open to military ties with China, a move that would complicate Pacific Air Forces efforts to protect U.S. interests in the first and second island chains. “We have our relationship not…