Air Combat Command reportedly directed its fighter and bomber units to stand down yesterday and today to give the airmen time to review safety procedures in light of the recent B-52 bomber weapons misadventure. The incident prompted Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne to write a special letter to airmen, reminding them of their need for discipline on the job. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Moseley followed Wynne’s letter with one of his CSAF’s Vectors on discipline, writing, “Loss of focus can lead to failure: failure to execute the mission in a disciplined and accountable manner.” Several lawmakers asked the Air Force for classified briefings to gain more information on the incident.
A new Air Force organization is searching for counter-drone firms to participate in a dozen or more exercises to help create operating plans by the end of this year for defending the service’s U.S.-based installations from drone attacks.