Gen. Paul Hester, head of US Pacific Air Forces, predicts bomber rotations to Andersen AFB, Guam, will continue “for the next decade,” and fighter rotations might increase. Hester talked with reporters on a recent visit to Guam. (DR 12/02/05) The PACAF chief also said the base would become the permanent home for up to six Global Hawk UAVs. He would like to see the Air Force establish a Global Hawk Center of Excellence at Andersen. It would be a logical step, since, he says, allied countries in the region expect to purchase the UAV.
An F-16 pilot was awarded a Silver Star for a harrowing mission in which he dodged multiple surface-to-air missiles during the opening weeks of the operation against the Houthis in Yemen earlier this year.
