The Air Force has awarded the Bronze Star medal to Maj. Mark Staal, a psychologist with the 1st Special Operations Support Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla., for his work in Iraq in setting up a classified special mission unit. Part of his work entails providing assessments of terrorist networks and leadership elements and helps with the repatriation of coalition personnel. At Beale AFB, Calif., Capt. David Celeste Jr., with the 9th Security Forces Squadron, received a Bronze Star for his efforts in Iraq as officer in charge of area security operations at Camp Bucca, where he served directly with the Army in an “in lieu of” capacity.
Air Force F-16 pilots are testing out new sensors that could help maximize their performance and avoid deadly accidents while flying fast fighter jets under heavy G-forces and stressful conditions.