Talking Smart Ops 21: Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne has issued a new “Letter to Airmen,” discussing the Air Force’s role in providing “an array of capabilities” to combatant commanders. Wynne writes, “We must seek to constantly give value to our ‘customers.’” To that end, he notes, the Air Force has expanded its depot streamlining initiative into what it terms “Air Force Smart Operations 21 (AFSO 21).” Wynne continues, writing that this “continuous process improvements” approach “will be the new culture of our Air Force.”
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.
