The Air Force civil engineers that keep the water flowing—and treated—at Kirkuk AB, Iraq, and Forward Operating Base Warrior, are critical because unlike stateside where treated water may go into a stream or river to be reabsorbed into the environment, the water in Iraq goes directly back into the water table from whence it came. It is non-potable water—not used for drinking—but, officials say, the more than 100,000 gallons of waste water CE treats each day still must go through a 12-hour cleaning process.
The Air Force plans to add external weapons pylons on the B-1B bomber, both to increase the number of aircraft that can test hypersonic missiles and expand the Lancer’s loadout as USAF transitions to the B-21 bomber.