The 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron flew its first sortie last month at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., after its reactivation last year to become the EC-130H Compass Call flying training unit. The unit’s task is to train around 200 aircrew members each year, providing flying training and position upgrade training for 10 different crew positions, reports 2nd Lt. Mary Pekas. The unit had to pry loose some 60 instructors and support personnel from the Compass Call community without hampering the heavily tasked 41st ECS and 43rd ECS.
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…