The US Air Force Academy Association of Graduates has selected retired Gen. Hansford T. Johnson (Class of 1959) and retired Gen. Michael E. Ryan (Class of 1965) for its 2006 Distinguished Graduate awards. Johnson, who was the first USAFA graduate to achieve four-star level, last served as commander of US Transportation Command and Military Airlift Command (now Air Mobility Command). Ryan was the second academy graduate to become the Air Force Chief of Staff—the first was his father Gen. John D. Ryan.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
