Pilo
ts of the 18th Fighter Squadron at Eielson AFB, Alaska, are learning their new trade—serving as antagonists for “blue” forces in Red Flag-Alaska—from the veteran “Red” pilots of the 64th Aggressor Squadron. Members of the 64th from Nellis AFB, Nev., are in Alaska again to help with the 18th’s transition from fighter squadron to aggressor squadron, slated for August. First Lt. David Tomiyama reports that the Alaskan airmen also have trained at Nellis, going through intensive academics and upgrade sorties to learn their “enemy” aircraft.
Three of four congressional committees with influence over defense policy have voted to change the official name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War—but final approval of the Pentagon rebrand is months away and not yet assured.