When USAF created its air and space expeditionary force (AEF) concept, the premise was that AEFs would head overseas. Hurricane Katrina proved that the AEF can be useful at home, too. At Keesler AFB, Miss., the Air Force has set up the 97th Air Expeditionary Group, comprising initially some 190 airmen from around the country. Its working up to a total of 250 airmen, who will relieve the folks at Keesler from support for FEMA and other groups. That means Keesler can get down to restoring Keesler.
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
