Six airmen from Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan recently paid a visit to children at a Bishkek hospital as part of the efforts of the Manas Air Base Outreach Society. Donning Santa hats, the airmen sang songs, passed out gifts, hoping to raise the spirits of the kids. Airmen at Manas also have built a new playground for the hospital through donated time and labor.
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.