Adm. William J. Fallon, commander of US Pacific Command, piloted the fourth C-17 destined for Hickam AFB, Hawaii, from the Boeing production facility in Long Beach, Calif. (A PACOM statement did not mention when or where the Navy fighter pilot got his big aircraft credentials.) With this fourth new transporter, said officials, the 15th Airlift Wing and the Hawaii Air National Guard 154th Wing have moved from prep to execution. Beginning this month, Pacific Air Forces will be able to task the C-17 composite unit of active and ANG airmen with regularly scheduled mobility runs.
On Jan. 4, a dozen U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors departed Puerto Rico, where they had landed following their participation in Operation Absolute Resolve. Those fighters appeared to have flown directly from their home base at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., to participate in the operation and returned there two days…
