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)
A yearslong effort to find an affordable way to turn cargo planes into strike platforms is now an official program with anticipated fielding in 2027.