Some 800 airmen, 91 aircraft, and 31 equipment packages deployed by the Air Force to aid search and rescue operations for Hurricane Rita are getting set to return to their normal duty stations. The pararescue teams flew 57 missions, saving a total of 10 people and assisting in five other “saves.” The SAR force comprised a mix of active and reserve elements. (DR, 0928/05)
The $4.26 billion Small Business Innovation Research contracting program widely used by the Air Force went into hibernation as the government shut down Oct. 1, but unless lawmakers strike a deal on reforms, the program could reach an abrupt end.


