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 U.S. is moving to surge firepower over Iran, including its capital of Tehran, defense officials leading the campaign said March 5 at U.S. Central Command headquarters. Bomber strikes are being stepped up and additional fighter squadrons are being deployed.