DOD has certified four more Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support Teams, bringing the current total to 40 out of the 55 teams authorized by Congress. The latest WMD-CST that were deemed ready to assist civil authorities in responding to domestic WMD incidents are found in Connecticut, Oregon, North Carolina, and Rhode Island. The Pentagon expects to certify all 55 by March 2007.
Air Force F-16 pilot Lt. Col. Eric R. Emerson, who commanded a small quick reaction force of fighters responding to Iranian-backed militia groups in 2024, became the first Air National Guardsman presented with the Anthony C. Shine Award on Feb. 10.
