The Long Range Missile Systems Group at Eglin AFB, Fla., and Lockheed Martin recently completed a successful first ground test of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range. According to the Eglin Eagle, the test at the new ground facility went flawlessly and gave the Air Force a good opportunity to monitor many of the missile’s subsystems in operation throughout the flight profile. USAF expects to field the JASSM-ER—with a range greater than 500 nautical miles compared to 200 NM for basic JASSM—on B-1B bombers in 2008. Developmental flight test is set for this spring.
Air Force F-16 pilot Lt. Col. Eric R. Emerson, who commanded a small quick reaction force of fighters responding to Iranian-backed militia groups in 2024, became the first Air National Guardsman presented with the Anthony C. Shine Award on Feb. 10.
