“Normally we guard aircraft and airfields. Now, we’re staring at people who could be responsible for killing Americans.” So said TSgt. Jeff Tynan, of 587th Security Forces Squadron, deployed to Camp Bucca, Iraq. There, airmen make up most of the force protection element, filling a role traditionally handled by the Army. These days, USAF’s troops are providing perimeter defense, convoy and area security, and security for Bucca’s theater internment facility. The 586th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron has been working alongside soldiers in dangerous assignments, such as convoy escorts for election officials. The troops seem to be taking the job in stride.
The last remaining T-1 Jayhawk at JBSA-Randolph, Texas, took its final flight to the "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., on July 15. The 99th Flying Training Squadron will train pilots using T-6 and simulator until it gets T-7 Red Hawk in fiscal 2026.