Alaska Air National Guard officials tell the Anchorage Daily News that the state’s 176th Wing has taken center stage for airlift operations in Afghanistan—a role that may extend for two years. The wing volunteered for the job and plans to rotate approximately 50 airmen from Kulis Air National Guard Base in and out of Afghanistan every two months. This is the first time the wing has participated in the current Southwest Asia operations because Pacific Air Forces restricted the unit to maintain sufficient airlift in the Pacific region.
In a rare letter to the entire force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach is telling Airmen to stay ready to support Operation Epic Fury, the massive U.S. operation against Iran.