The state of Oregon called the Air National Guard’s 125th Special Tactics Squadron at Portland into action to help evacuate up to 400 residents from areas flooded by recent storms. Working with Army Guardsmen, the special operations airmen deployed four Zodiac boats to pick up stranded residents since weather conditions prohibited rescue by air. The 125th STS, slated to reach operational readiness this month, is one of AFSOC’s newest special tactics units, which comprise combat controllers, pararescue jumpers, combat weathermen, and support personnel trained to conduct operations in enemy territory. (National Guard Bureau report.)
Loved Ones Mourn 6 Airmen Killed in KC-135 Crash
March 16, 2026
Tributes to the six crew members that died in the KC-135 Stratotanker crash in Iraq have flooded social media since the Pentagon released their identities March 14. They were the first Airmen to die while supporting Operation Epic Fury against Iran.