A C-130 Hercules aircrew launched from the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Bagram AB, Afghanistan, earlier this week to perform an airdrop of 24 55-gallon drums using low-velocity parachutes from less than 5,000 feet above the ground. The cargo—9,000 pounds of fuel—landed within 35 meters of the desired point of impact less than eight hours after the request from ground forces. The ground forces were supporting Operation Achilles, which is aimed at helping Afghanistan with reconstruction and economic development.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.