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n Air Mobility Command Phoenix Raven team deployed to Southwest Asia provided security for a C-17 airlifter dispatched to a remote airstrip in Afghanistan with an Afghan Presidential entourage they picked up earlier in Kabul. Capt. Teresa Sullivan reports that the two Raven-trained Security Forces airmen—SSgt. Mike Kincaid and A1C Joseph Celata—began at 4 a.m. to organize their equipment, which includes a variety of weapons. Ravens are trained to fly with and protect AMC aircraft and crews that must fly into high-threat areas. Kincaid deployed from the 62nd Security Forces Squadron, McChord AFB, Wash., and Celata from the 305th SFS at McGuire AFB, N.J.
Three of four congressional committees with influence over defense policy have voted to change the official name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War—but final approval of the Pentagon rebrand is months away and not yet assured.