Airmen and aircraft deployed from Little Rock AFB, Ark., to Southwest Asia have moved into Iraq—to Balad Air Base—to reduce the distance they fly, making it possible to haul more cargo and passengers, say unit officials. The airmen of Little Rock’s 463rd Airlift Group also changed their in-theater designation to the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, part of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad.
The incoming head of the 7th Air Force will face an intense mission while relying on 4th-generation fighters to stave off looming threats from North Korea and China.