New USAF Force Hard at Work: 
The new US Air Force operation at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq comprises strike (an A-10 element for close air support) and airlift operations, including the 438th Aerial Port Flight—a collection of Reserve airmen from 11 different units, reports Capt. Ken Hall and MSgt. Bryan Ripple. Since starting operations in January, the 438th airmen have processed more than 32,000 forces, 15,528 tons of cargo, and more than 2,600 aircraft. Their efforts have made it possible to eliminate convoy duty and transport for nearly 12,000 troops.
Walking the flight line occupied by Blackhawk attack helicopters and American troops on rotation at the “MK” air base in Romania, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III highlighted the important strategic value of one of NATO’s newest members Oct. 20 ahead of NATO defense ministerial meetings in Brussels Oct. 21-22.…