USAF’s CV-22 Osprey is still in development testing at Edwards AFB, Calif., but officials say they have already begun training with Air Force Special Operations Command personnel. “We’re taking the airplanes, learning how to fly them, and learning how we are going to employ the aircraft … in future conflicts,” said Maj. Steven Breeze, director of operations for Det. 1, 18th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards. The special ops crews already have found that the Osprey takes less than half the preparation and preflight times of other airframes.
Three of four congressional committees with influence over defense policy have voted to change the official name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War—but final approval of the Pentagon rebrand is months away and not yet assured.