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.
The new defense reconciliation bill includes $7.2 billion for Air Force and Navy aviation accounts, almost half of which will buy more F-15EXs. While electronic warfare, drones, connectivity and airlift all get attention, the F-35 was conspicuously absent from the package, with no explanation given.