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Outstanding Airmen, Guardians, and Civilians of the Year: Meet Staff Sgt. Akia D. Carter

April 21, 2021

Staff Sergeant Akia D. Carter is one of the Space Force’s first-ever Outstanding Airmen, Guardians, and Civilians of the Year. Carter is an Airman Leadership School instructor with the 30th Force Support Squadron, 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., where she is tasked with developing senior airmen…

Sustainment Becoming Most Profitable Part of F-35 for Lockheed Martin

April 20, 2021

Sustainment of the F-35 is rapidly becoming the most profitable part of the program, as growing numbers of jets, bases and depots drive a greater demand for parts and services, top Lockheed Martin officials said in an April 20 corporate earnings call. The comments come against a backdrop of criticism…

Future Ops in Afghanistan Could Rely on New Bases in Nearby Nations

April 20, 2021

U.S. Central Command and American diplomats are working with nations surrounding Afghanistan on agreements to base troops and aircraft for counter terrorism inside the country following the military’s withdrawal. CENTCOM boss Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., in testimony to the House Armed Services Committee on April 20, said the command…

U.S. Forces Operating ‘Without Complete Air Superiority’ Due to Small, Armed Drones

April 20, 2021

The proliferation of small unmanned aerial systems, usually commercially available drones that can be outfitted to drop weapons, is the most “persistent and dangerous” threat to troops in the Middle East in decades. “These small- and medium-sized UAS proliferating across the [area of operations] present a new and complex threat…

US Could Put Bombers Back on Alert if it Moves Away from Triad, STRATCOM Boss Warns

April 20, 2021

As the new administration and Congress prepare. to take a critical look at the nuclear triad and overall need for nuclear modernization, the head of U.S. Strategic Command warned lawmakers that a reduction in the overall force could mean a return to Cold War norms. During testimony to the Senate…

F-15s, F-16s, C-130s Deploy for Exercise in Poland

April 19, 2021

USAF F-15s, F-16s, and C-130s are training in Poland in an agile combat employment exercise that comes as Russia has executed a massive buildup on the border with neighboring Ukraine, though U.S. officials say the exercise was long-planned. F-15Es from the 492nd Fighter Squadron at RAF Lakenheath, England; F-16s from…

NASA Aircraft Makes First Controlled, Powered Flight On Mars

April 19, 2021

“Ingenuity,” a four-pound helicopter carried to Mars on NASA's “Perseverance” lander/rover, made the first powered, controlled flight on another planet April 19, achieving an altitude of 10 feet. Four more flights, going as high as 50 meters high and 600 meters away, are planned in the next two weeks. The…

Outstanding: Meet Senior Airman Cassidy B. Basney

April 19, 2021

Senior Airman Cassidy B. Basney, with the 50th Operations Support Squadron, 50th Space Wing, is among the Space Force's first-ever 12 Outstanding Airmen, Guardians, and Civilians of the year announced April 13. The Air Force Association will shine a spotlight on each of the 12 winners over the next few…

New Enlisted Force Development Strategy Coming Soon

April 19, 2021

The Air Force will unveil a new enlisted force development strategy this summer to try to help Airmen get the most out of their Air Force careers, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass said April 19, in a virtual chat with Chief of Staff of the…

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