The Air Force has just released the names of the winners of the 2005 SSgt. Henry E. “Red” Erwin Award, which honors the top enlisted aircrew members in the service. Erwin was a World War II radio operator/gunner who received the Medal of Honor. The latest award winners are: MSgt. Christopher Cooper, Pope AFB, N.C.; TSgt. Erik Thompson, Hurlburt Field, Fla.; and SrA. Lisa Reagan, also at Hurlburt.
While the Pentagon has signaled its intent to scale technology, field new systems faster, and work more with nontraditional vendors, a new report identifies persistent manufacturing capacity, resourcing, workforce, and modernization challenges that could hinder its ability to deliver on those goals.