Active duty and civilian firefighters from Travis AFB, Calif., took first place in individual heats during the 2006 US National Firefighter Challenge Oct. 13 and 14 in Atlanta. The former two-time world champions also placed third in the relay contest. Explaining their success, team captain Sgt. Mike Melton said, “Our team dynamic is one of unity and working together to get to our goal.”
The new defense reconciliation bill includes $7.2 billion for Air Force and Navy aviation accounts, almost half of which will buy more F-15EXs. While electronic warfare, drones, connectivity and airlift all get attention, the F-35 was conspicuously absent from the package, with no explanation given.