Representatives of the Massachusetts Air National Guard apparently got an earful at the July 11 public meeting on its plan to lower the level at which fighter aircraft can fly training missions over western Maine. The Kennebec Journal reports that residents of Franklin County in Maine “expressed sound opposition” to the proposal. It still must pass muster with the FAA, too, after the Air Guard completes a required environmental assessment. The Massachusetts ANG’s 102nd Fighter Wing has the lead, but ANG units in New York and Vermont use the airspace, as well.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.