The TRAPCON, for transportable radar approach control, airmen at Balad AB, Iraq, who control the airspace in central Iraq average less than four years in service. And, the environment is much more dynamic than the formula, FAA-controlled US airspace. “These airmen amaze me every day,” SSgt. Brandi Cannedy told the Red Tail Flyer. She went on to say that there is a “steep learning curve,” and the airmen have much more responsibility than when she started out in the career field.
Secretary of Defense Austin Lloyd III met with his counterparts from Australia, Japan and the Philippines to discuss bolstering defense ties on May 2. The discussion included plans for joint F-35 exercises with Japan and Australia in the coming years.