Besides expanding to NATO and smaller bases in the East and South of Europe, US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa chief Gen. Frank Gorenc thinks NATO should be looking North, as well. The “high North” will become an issue, he said, “partly because of climate change and the ability of ships to pass in that area,” and this is a concern to “allies and partners” in the region. It’s one of the “strategic directions” NATO should be concerned with, and Gorenc said he’ll be exploring ways to exploit more northern airfields as the region becomes more highly contested and trafficked by shipping and naval forces.
A pair of AC-130J Ghostrider crews have been tapped to receive the 2021 Mackay Trophy, awarded by the Air Force and the National Aeronautic Association for the year’s most meritorious flight. The award is in recognition of their actions during the withdrawal from Afghanistan that aided in the rescue of…