The tactical air controllers of the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron are practicing their basic close-combat skills at Wheeler Army Air Field, Hawaii, in preparation for an upcoming deployment to Southwest Asia. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party airmen serve with Army forces, where they may need this type training, which provides a “basis for all combative skills,” said SMSgt. John Knipe, 25th ASOS superintendent. According to SSgt. George Earhart—a TACP who definitely is in the right job—called the training “fun,” saying it “keeps you physically active.”
The U.S., South Korea, and Japan flew an unusual trilateral flight with two U.S. B-52H Stratofortress bombers escorted by two Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2s, and two ROK Air Force KF-16 fighters—both countries’ respective variants of the F-16—July 11. That same weekend, the top military officers of the three nations…