The civil engineer squadron of the Georgia Air National Guard’s 116th Air Control Wing at Robins Air Force Base took delivery of two route-clearance kits that will bolster its ability to respond to disasters in the southeast United States, according to a base release. The kits, which arrived at Robins on June 27, consist of multi-purpose Kubota tractors with buckets, grappling hooks, and brooms, states the release. “During Hurricane Katrina [in 2005], which we responded to, domestic operations found that getting to a location hit by a disaster could be time consuming because of debris,” said CMSgt. David Fite, 116th CES superintendent. “Whether it’s trees on the road, overturned cars, or piles of rubble, this equipment will give us the capability and skill set to clear the way for emergency operations personnel to respond,” he said. (Robins report by MSgt. Roger Parsons)
Lockheed Martin is withdrawing personnel who support Iraq’s F-16 fleet from a major operating base because of threats from militias in the region, a step that will likely limit the fleet’s operations. The move comes after contractors left Balad Air Base in recent months because of the threat from Iranian-backed…