Despite a presidential coup attempt in the Philippines and public unrest that led to declaration of a state of emergency, the 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, deployed from Yokota AB, Japan, continued to fly personnel and relief supplies to locations devastated by the Feb. 17 mudslide. “We have a mission to carry out and we will continue to do so,” said Lt. Col. Bill Summers, adding that the squadron was able to move several tons of medical supplies with a team from the Philippine Navy and Marines to the relief area. As of Feb. 26, the 36th EAS had moved more than 140 tons of cargo and 160 personnel to support relief efforts.
Trainees in Basic Military Training and technical school no longer have the option to try alternate PT drills if they fail an initial assessment, according to a policy change the Air Force made in April. The move is part of a larger shift out of the classroom and into hands-on,…