The 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron just flew 18 hours non-stop in the latest Koa Lightning exercise, reports MSgt. Art Webb. The B-52 bombers that deployed from Barksdale AFB, La., flew from Andersen AFB, Guam to Hickam AFB, Hawaii, and back to participate in scenarios meant to enhance their combat skills as well as test the endurance of aircrews. Koa Lightning included flights where aircrews faked taking on ground targets in Hawaii so they could practice defensive moves while simulating bomb dropping.
The crash of a T-38 trainer jet this May—which caused a weekslong pause in flights across the fleet—was caused by an improperly installed pin for one of the jet’s horizontal stabilizers, according to a new accident report released Oct. 30. When the pin disengaged midflight, it created the slightest amount…