The Pentagon has identified the remains of two service members missing in action from the Vietnam War. A1C George W. Long of Medicine, Kan., and Army Capt. Warren R. Orr of Kewanee, Ill. The men were part of a C-130 Hercules crew evacuating Vietnamese citizens from a camp near Da Nang, South Vietnam on May 12, 1968. During takeoff, the aircrew reported encountering heavy ground fire, then a forward air controller reported seeing the transport aircraft explode shortly after leaving the runway. Investigations in 1985 and 1991 finally led to a 1993 visit to a crash site and 1994 excavation of human and equipment remains. Subsequent DNA testing and dental comparisons aided the identification of the two men.
In a rare letter to the entire force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach is telling Airmen to stay ready to support Operation Epic Fury, the massive U.S. operation against Iran.