The Defense Department has identified the remains of two airmen—Lt. Col. James H. Ayres of Pampa, Tex., and Lt. Col. Charles W. Stratton of Dallas—missing in action from the Vietnam War. On Jan. 3, 1971, Ayres and Stratton flew their F-4E from Korat AB, Thailand on a nighttime mission to strike enemy targets in Laos. Other aircraft on the mission saw an explosion shortly after pilot Ayres began his target run; the other aircrews lost communication with the aircraft and did not see parachutes. Enemy activity in the area prevented search and rescue attempts. Interviews in 2001 of citizens in the Laos province led to a crash site.
Work Has Begun to Adapt Qatari 747 to Fly as Air Force One
Sept. 15, 2025
The Air Force has started modifying a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for "executive airlift," a spokesperson said Sept. 15. President Donald Trump has said he wants to fly the jet as “Air Force One” since new presidential transports, held up by delays, won't be ready until after his term…
