The 517th Airlift Squadron at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, flew its last sortie in a C-130 Hercules tactical transport on March 23. The unit, which has flown Herks for some 43 years, is transitioning to the new C-17 Globemaster III airlifter. The squadron commander, Lt. Col. Gary Gottschall commanded the last flight. Earlier this year, the unit marked its last combat flight, supporting operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Small satellites meant to improve the way the U.S. measures Earth’s magnetic field—an option to expand the military’s position, navigation, and timing enterprise—launched March 30 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif.