Air Force B-1B bomber units send aircrews into action in Southwest Asia ahead of their unit rotation to fly missions with the current bomber crews—forming “rainbow crews”—to gain experience on current theater operations, reports SrA. Clark Staehle. In the latest SWA rotation, airmen of the 9th Bomb Squadron at Dyess AFB, Tex., replaced those of the 34th BS from Ellsworth AFB, S.D. Capt. Scott Digioia, an instructor pilot deployed from the 9th BS, noted that the outgoing crews also can suffer complacency, so flying with “fresh” crew members keeps them on their toes and provides needed continuity. These bomber crews fly exacting close air support missions, although 9th BS weapon systems officer Capt. Matt Steele, notes that often the mere presence of a B-1B over an enemy is enough to cause them to back off an attack on coalition forces.
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…
