In today’s world, where the Air Force is encouraging airmen to switch to the Army as USAF tries to cut some 40,000 positions, Capt. Eric Trocinski is an oddity, since he crossed from green to blue. Trocinski, a helicopter pilot with the 41st Rescue Squadron, Moody AFB, Ga., recently received the Air Rescue Association’s 2006 Richard T. Kight Award for his efforts while deployed to Southwest Asia. On one mission, following a mid-air collision of two F/A-18 Hornets, Trocinski flew for more than 12 hours in harsh weather.
In a nighttime ceremony contrived to continue concealment of many of its features, the new B-21 bomber rolled out of Northrop Grumman's Palmdale, Calif. plant Dec. 2. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the aircraft's advanced technology represents "deterrence, the American way."