Vehicle operators with the 92nd Logistics Readiness Squadron have returned home to Fairchild AFB, Wash., after serving in Iraq as the last contingent of Air Force gun-truck operators. The Fairchild airmen turned the gun-truck security mission over to the Army. The Air Force will continue to supply convoy vehicle operators, but soldiers will provide security. During their time in Iraq, the Fairchild airmen said they integrated completely with the soldiers on convoy duty, but it took time to earn their respect. The Fairchild contingent experienced a high number of improvised explosive device attacks but had “fewer injuries than anyone else,” said SSgt. Scott Cunningham, adding, “After a time, … even the Army units were requesting Air Force gun truck escort security.”
Control of the skies in Operation Epic Fury is enabling the Pentagon to rely more on satellite- and laser-guided bombs, throttle back on expensive long-range standoff munitions, and move to a new phase of air war, defense officials said on March 4. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen.…