Shortly after Hurricane Wilma tore through south Florida last Monday, the 482nd Fighter Wing opened Homestead ARB, Fla. for relief efforts. The Florida Air National Guard, working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local officials, used the airfield as a staging area for supplies flowing south. Though the base itself was hard hit by the storm, operations soon were running at full tilt. Helicopters flew damage assessment missions. Aircraft delivered medical supplies to towns on the Florida Keys.
The Air Force’s B-52 bomber may soon be able to carry up to 20 stealthy long-range anti-ship missiles to strike moving targets at sea, a key capability in a potential fight with China.
