A Kennedy-era RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic surveillance aircraft surpassed 50,000 flight hours during a mission March 12 in Southwest Asia supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. The aircraft, which has been in service since 1962 and flown tours in far-flung places ranging from Vietnam to Afghanistan and Iraq, is the first Rivet Joint and the first of any C-135 airframe, in general, to reach this milestone. “The folks that fly, operate and maintain the Rivet Joint are quiet, professional warriors who are making a difference every day,” said Brig. Gen. Charles Lyon, commander of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing. “We’ve had many successes in the war on terrorism, many of which aren’t publicized.” (USAF report by 2nd Lt. Tania Bryan)
Air Force Eyes New-Build F-16s to Boost Fighter Force
Sept. 16, 2026
The Air Force will consider acquiring new F-16 Fighting Falcon jets to answer capacity shortfalls in its aging fighter fleet, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. These discussions are happening as the Air Force is building its proposed fiscal 2028 budget and the five-year spending plan that goes…
