The Air Force created the combat rescue officer career field 10 years ago Wednesday. “We recognize how vital the personnel recovery and combat rescue missions have become in our expeditionary aerospace force concept,” said former Air Force Secretary Whit Peters on Dec. 8, 2000, when he and then-Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Ryan directed the creation of a 165-man team to accomplish the mission. Peters added: “The ability to bring people home safely from dangerous missions is paramount. Establishing a career field devoted to this mission will ensure attention is always focused on this commitment.” CROs have been conducting personnel recovery missions since February 2002. Today, they continue to save the lives of US, coalition, and civilian personnel across Southwest Asia. The CROs “are true leaders,” said Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage, Air Forces Central commander. (Maxwell report by A1C Christopher S. Stoltz)
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…