US Air Forces in Europe is celebrating its 65th anniversary as the oldest active Air Force major command. The War Department established Headquarters 8th Air Force on Jan. 18, 1942—from which date USAFE traces its heritage.
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.