NATO’s recent offensive in Southern Afghanistan was a “significant success” that has driven Taliban insurgents from their positions and opened the way for development, said British Lt. Gen. David Richards, commander of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, crediting the teamwork of Afghan, NATO, and coalition forces. The two-week offensive, known as Operation Medusa, has paved the way for the “reconstruction and development” that will bring a “long-lasting security,” added Richards in a statement. The end of Medusa also marked the beginning of a new one, dubbed Operation Mountain Fury, which involves 7,000 coalition forces in the central and eastern provinces.
U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles have roared out of Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., for the last time. The 104th Fighter Wing’s last three F-15Cs departed the base Oct. 23 for the “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., ending the aircraft's era on the frontlines of homeland defense.
