Briefer Briefs:

The National Guard Bureau has named TSgt. James Yancey, an instructor with the 330th Combat Training Squadron at Robins AFB, Ga., as the Red Erwin Outstanding Enlisted Aircrew Member of the Year for 2006. • The Army jumpmaster-run Operation Toy Drop got help from C-130 crews of Air Force Reserve Command’s 440th Airlift Wing at Pope AFB, N.C.; the event brought in 150 soldiers from around the US and Canada, Chile, Germany, and Ireland, many just to say they participated and others wanting to earn new jump wings. • The Air Force’s fleet of KC-135R tankers has exceeded 11 million flying hours; the CFM56-2 engines used to refit the KC-135s, starting in 1984, have amassed five million flight cycles in service, according to CFM International. • Air Force Research Lab and the state of Ohio have signed an agreement for even greater collaboration in technical and scientific exchanges. • Brig. Gen. Mark Graper, head of the 354th Fighter Wing at Eielson AFB, Alaska, told area community leaders that next year’s Red Flag Alaska training events are slated for April 3-18, May 1-16, and Oct. 2-17, reports the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.