Behind the deadly striking forces of USAF fighters and bombers are the munitions airmen, such as the ones of the 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron at busy Bagram AB, Afghanistan. Air Force journalist Maj. David Kurle reports that the “ammo” airmen at Bagram receive ordnance from supply points, inspect it, store it, combine different components to build it for bombs and missiles, and then deliver it where it is needed. The Bagram operation is a mix of active, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve Command airmen.
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.