A Pakistani Air Force C-130 came to the krecent Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Britain adorned with images from the earthquake relief effort from October 2005. The crew specifically thanked Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne for his service for their part in the humanitarian response. “The US support was so timely–it helped save lives,” said Wing Commander Haseeb Gul, after he and his crew met with Wynne. Air Mobility Command airlifters flew numerous sorties to supply refugees with essentials.
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.