Iraqi Aircrew Flies Solo: The first USAF-trained all Iraqi aircrew has flown solo in their C-130E transport. The nine crew members are part of the 23rd Iraqi Squadron. (We reported on their efforts to learn English earlier.) The US Air Force has been training the crews at Ali Base, Iraq. The 23rd will move in January to its new home at New Al Muthana, currently the only Iraqi air base, which will have three C-130Es.
While the Sentinel ICBM program writ large is undergoing a major restructure due to cost and schedule overages, prime contractor Northrop Grumman is touting progress on milestones with the missile itself.