An Air Force Predator UAV provided close air support for coalition troops under attack from anti-Iraqi forces in the vicinity of Tikrit, Iraq, on Jan. 22. The Predator fired one Hellfire missile, striking a vehicle armed with an improvised explosive device. On Jan. 21, Air Force F-16s provided close air support to coalition troops fighting anti-Iraqi forces in the vicinity of Baquaba. An F-16 fired one precision-guided munition and struck an enemy position.
The Air Force has spent more than two years studying cancer risks to Airmen who work with the service's intercontinental ballistic missiles. Now lawmakers in Congress are placing fresh scrutiny on the issue and have prepared legislation that would direct the service to clean silos and launch facilities.