French forces have returned to the coalition fight in Afghanistan, flying on May 2 their first mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom since November 2005. Air Force Maj. Gen. Allen Peck, the deputy Combined Force Air Component Commander, said the French delegation at the combined air and space operations center plays an important role in the OEF mission, helping to coordinate close air support, tactical reconnaissance, and aerial refueling missions. During their last tour in Southwest Asia, French aircrews flew more than 400 sorties, logging approximately 2,000 flying hours in the M-2000 Mirage, the F-1 Mirage, and the C-135 SR tanker.
Billy Mitchell: Lessons a Hundred Years Hence
Dec. 16, 2025
Exactly 100 years ago, on Dec. 17, 1925, Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell was convicted by court-martial for violating an order that required approval before he could engage with the media. Mitchell’s provocative thoughts and unorthodox methods sought attention for a cause that he saw as uniquely American.
