The 56th Rescue Squadron’s recent move from NAS Keflavik, Iceland, to RAF Lakenheath, England, will expand the unit’s horizon, according to Lt. Col. Steve Huss, 56th RS director of operations. Right now, the squadron is still split—half of the unit and two HH-60G helicopters are still in Iceland—so there is “a bit of turmoil,” said Huss. The future, though, should see the unit join in air expeditionary force rotations and participate in exercises in the region with NATO and British counterparts. Huss said the squadron expects to have all its airmen and helicopters—following some modifications—ready to deploy by mid 2007.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.