The North Dakota Air National Guard’s 119th Wing in Fargo has a doctor shortage that the unit’s shift from fighter aircraft to unmanned aerial vehicles and transports has only acerbated. TV station WCCO reports that Air Guard officials worry they are going to wear out the unit’s lone flight surgeon. Recruiter for the 119th Wing, MSgt. Glenda Edwardson, said, “We were short before; now we’re really short,” because there are more airmen to cover.
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
