After Hurricane Katrina devastated Keesler AFB, Miss., last summer, the base suspended its normal training mission but joined in humanitarian operations, even as it began tackling hurricane damage at the base. Keesler officials say that, as of mid-December, base efforts amounted to 291 missions involving 10 or more personnel. The base delivered 122,736 meals ready-to-ear, 187,660 pounds of food and clothing, 239,227 gallons of water, clocking more than 20,000 manhours. According to TSgt. Julie Sargent, NCO in charge of Keesler’s humanitarian relief operations office, the mission number could be “three times” greater.
The Air Force has finished modifying and testing the new VC-25B Bridge aircraft that will serve as a temporary Air Force One, the service announced May 1. All that’s left now is to finish painting the jet before it starts flying this summer.