The first structural element of the new Air Force Memorial is now in place on the site overlooking the Pentagon. Construction crews hoisted the 40-foot tall, 28-ton base section of the first spire into position on Feb. 10. 
The memorial includes three stainless steel spires—the highest of which will rise 270 feet—that are being delivered in 15 segments over the next four months. The Air Force Memorial Foundation plans to complete the project in September and formally open the site on Oct. 13.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
