Air Force Special Operations Command presented MSgt. David Halvorson a Bronze Star for his work in Southwest Asia as maintenance production superintendent for MH-53 Pave Low helicopters. Halvorson led 56 airmen from 11 career fields to maintain the four MH-53s, at one point operating from the back of a truck during threat of mortar and rocket attack to get the Pave Lows ready to pursue high-value targets. Halovorson’s efforts led to a 100 percent launch rate for 15 high-priority missions, culminating in capture of 15 Iraqi insurgents and terrorists.
The Space Development Agency says it’s on track to issue its next batch of missile warning and tracking satellite contracts this month after those awards were delayed by the Pentagon’s decision to divert funds from the agency to pay troops during this fall’s prolonged government shutdown.

