USAF civil engineering airmen deployed from Andersen AFB, Guam to Okinawa recently to participate in a Silver Flag exercise, during which counterparts in the Royal Australian Air Force observed their efforts to restore a damaged airfield. Also deploying from the 36th Wing at Andersen were airmen from services, contracting, and personnel, who along with the CE airmen had to get the airfield operating within eight hours, reports Scott Hallford. Kadena AB, Japan serves as the central training site for all such Silver Flag training, which includes working under the stress of “chemical and conventional attacks,” said SSgt. Jason Blair, an instructor with Det. 1 of the 554th RED HORSE. (Last year Pacific Air Forces began moving the 554th from South Korea to Guam.)
A semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft drone shot down an air-to-air target in a Dec. 8 test supported by the U.S. Air Force, a notable milestone in the development of the loyal wingman-type drones that will join the fleets of the USAF, other American services, and allies and adversaries.
