The 522 Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, which has been deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam, from Cannon AFB, N.M. as part of the Air Force’s regular rotation of fighters and bombers to the Pacific region, took the opportunity to engage in rapid response sorties, closing on the “threat” aircraft at supersonic speeds, reports TSgt. Steven Wilson. Viper pilot Capt. Jason Monaco said, “The ability to complete rapid and safe intercepts of hostile aircraft allows senior leaders to make timely decisions regarding our strategies to best deal with the bad guys.”
Two American service members were killed, and a third is missing after Iranian ballistic missiles and drones struck an air base in Jordan used by U.S. forces, U.S. Central Command said July 18.