NORAD operators in Cheyenne Mountain AFB, Colo., disrupted some 50 million garage door openers when they tested a radio signal meant for first responders during a homeland security threat, reports Associated Press news service. It may be a PR nightmare, but the US military owns the radio frequency even though this was apparently the first time it’s been used from the mountain. When other “low-lying” military facilities used it in Florida, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, the effects were less widespread. Homeowners in the Colorado Springs area may want to invest in a unit on a different frequency.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.