Virginia National Guard officials say the state has been selected to form one of the five additional National Guard chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear enhanced response force packages. Currently there are 12 CERFPs, but the Fiscal 2006 defense authorization bill added another five. The Virginia CERFP will comprise elements of the state’s Army and Air National Guard forces. ANG units that will train for the new mission are the 203rd RED HORSE at Virginia Beach and 192nd Medical Squadron, currently in Sandston but moving to Langley AFB, Va. Unlike their normal mission of constructing air fields, the RED HORSE airmen will aid in removing victims from damaged structures.
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…