Quick Work to Aid Pave Low Crews:
An urgent request from Air Force Special Operations Command to get some new armor for its MH-53 Pave Lows sparked fast work by the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center. Pave Low aircrews had discovered that the traditional ballistic blankets used on the floor of the helicopters had, over time, become susceptible to small arms fire. The ALC took the AFSOC requirement and, in nine days, had a contract for new armor. Within three months, the first test kit had been installed and, after flight testing, production started. According to Air Force journalist Damian Housman, the entire process from start to installation took only “a spectacular eight months.”
Billy Mitchell: Lessons a Hundred Years Hence
Dec. 16, 2025
Exactly 100 years ago, on Dec. 17, 1925, Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell was convicted by court-martial for violating an order that required approval before he could engage with the media. Mitchell’s provocative thoughts and unorthodox methods sought attention for a cause that he saw as uniquely American.
