Air traffic controllers at Edwards AFB, Calif., operating what’s called Space Positioning Optical Radar Tracking, or SPORT, help keep track of aircraft flying test missions in the base’s restricted—and hazardous—test airspace. They often work one-on-one with test pilots, providing information on all aircraft that are in close proximity and air space boundary and weather notifications, among other duties. According to ATC supervisor, Charles Cooper, the SPORT controllers have many years of experience and are highly trained for their test mission role.
U.S. Southern Command recently announced its first lethal strike on a suspected narco-trafficking vessel in two months, and the first under a newly formed permanent counter-cartel task force. The U.S. is also reportedly planning to transfer MQ-9 drones to Colombia to bolster its counter-cartel efforts.