The 586th Expeditionary Support Squadron, the Air Force’s newest expeditionary unit in Southwest Asia, was activated Jan. 2 at an air base in the region. The squadron, a component of the 586th Air Expeditionary Group, is charged with providing functions like chapel ministry and personnel management at four separate locations for US military personnel entering and exiting the war theater. When at full strength this summer, the unit will comprise more than 50 airmen. Maj. Gregory Marty, the squadron commander, said these airmen “will assist in moving our forces where and when they are needed” and “will serve a crucial role in assisting the family members of our brothers and sisters in arms should they be called to make their ultimate sacrifice.” (386th AEW report by SSgt. Lindsey Maurice)
U.S. Air Force F-35s and F-22s regularly deploy deep into the Pacific region from Alaska, Utah, and Hawaii. In the future, though, the head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command would like to see the Air Force permanently station fifth-generation aircraft west of the international date line—closer to China.