The Air Force has awarded Bronze Stars to two explosive ordnance disposal airmen for their actions during tours in Iraq. TSgt. Michelle Barefield from Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C., came under attack three times, took part in a gun battle, and took charge of the scene after an improvised explosive device killed one airmen and wounded another, sweeping for additional dangers and providing first aid. SSgt. Lawrence Lipinski from Little Rock AFB, Ark., disarmed more than 60 IEDs on 170 combat missions.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.