An F-16 crashed during takeoff in July 2007 at Balad AB, Iraq, due to an underinflated nose gear tire and the pilot’s misinterpretation of the situation, Pacific Air Forces announced on Jan. 30, citing the findings of the accident investigation board. The F-16 was from the 35th Fighter Wing, Misawa AB, Japan, but deployed to the 13th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Balad. The pilot safely ejected and suffered no injuries, but the F-16 skidded off the runway, tumbled, and was completely destroyed at a loss of $24 million.
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.