Gen. Tom Hobbins, US Air Forces in Europe commander, has spent the past three days in Russia, where he has flown in an Su-27 and MiG-29—a payback for F-15E rides provided two top Russian Air Force generals. Hobbins called the aircraft “meticulously maintained” and “very good.” Also on the agenda was a visit to the US embassy in Moscow, as well as Victory Park, a World War II monument dedicated to the victory over Nazi Germany. His trip concludes today.
When Airmen eject, the mission is clear: America leaves no warrior behind. Airmen are trained to survive, evade, resist, and escape the enemy, and everyone from ground crew to rescue personnel and commanders are committed to doing everything necessary—and possible—to bring downed Airmen home.