Air Force Reserve Command airmen from the 304th Rescue Squadron in Oregon joined with Air National Guardsmen from the 152nd Airlift Wing in Nevada to help hunt for three hikers missing on Mt. Hood in Washington. Severe weather has hampered rescue operations, which continued into its second week. The 304th RQS at one time had 12 pararescuemen on the mountain, while Capt. Ross Wilson, 304th combat rescue officer, flew with the Air Guard airmen in their C-130, equipped with thermal imaging equipment.
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.