Some airmen in Southwest Asia call themselves “the ghosts of the base” when they perform escort duty—standing and watching silently—for local nationals working on coalition facilities, reports Air Force public affairs officer Maj. Ann Knabe. These airmen get two days training, then start their duty, often shepherding more than 300 “third country nationals,” or TCNs, on a typical day. On one day there may be as many as 150 airmen working as escorts. The TCNs, themselves, work at any number of jobs, including aiding security force efforts by identifying security breaches.
F-15E Aviator Missing in Iran Rescued by US Forces
April 5, 2026
The second crew member of the Air Force F-15E shot down April 3 has been rescued from Iran. U.S. forces recovered the aviator alive and all American forces involved in the operation are believed to be safe, U.S. officials told Air & Space Forces Magazine.