Over 
the 36-hour period marking the battle in An Najaf in Iraq last month, F-16s from three fighter squadrons based at Balad Air Base and A-10s from Al Asad Air Base expended munitions for the first time in a single operation, reports Air Force journalist TSgt. Jennifer Gregoire. A Joint Terminal Attack Controller embedded with an Army unit, called in the fighters to aid recovery operations for a downed Army helicopter when coalition ground forces became pinned down by enemy fire.
Budget Calls for More Airmen, More Guardians in 2027
April 21, 2026
The Air Force and Space Force would both expand their ranks next year under the Pentagon's proposed $1.5 trillion 2027 budget.