Behind the deadly striking forces of USAF fighters and bombers are the munitions airmen, such as the ones of the 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron at busy Bagram AB, Afghanistan. Air Force journalist Maj. David Kurle reports that the “ammo” airmen at Bagram receive ordnance from supply points, inspect it, store it, combine different components to build it for bombs and missiles, and then deliver it where it is needed. The Bagram operation is a mix of active, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve Command airmen.
One of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ prototype Collaborative Combat Aircraft drones crashed shortly after takeoff April 6, and the company has paused its test flights while it investigates the incident.