The enlisted force of US Air Forces in Europe inducted Gen. Tom Hobbins into the Order of the Sword on Nov. 18. SMSgt. Kelly Mazezka reports that CMSgt. Gary Coleman, USAF command chief, said Hobbins “has been a devoted advocate of the enlisted force in his command,” including spurring creation of the “first of its kind Enlisted Heritage Room honoring the blood, sweat, and tears of the enlisted airmen spanning this command’s great history.” Hobbins remarked, “We’ve been and continue to be airmen of substance. … Just knowing I could count on the excellence of [my airmen’s] work meant more to me than anything.”
Seven F-22 Raptor pilots have recently been awarded one of the military’s highest decorations for their actions during operations in the Middle East. Six of the pilots were decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for their role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.