Air Force Reserve Command airmen from the 304th Rescue Squadron in Oregon joined with Air National Guardsmen from the 152nd Airlift Wing in Nevada to help hunt for three hikers missing on Mt. Hood in Washington. Severe weather has hampered rescue operations, which continued into its second week. The 304th RQS at one time had 12 pararescuemen on the mountain, while Capt. Ross Wilson, 304th combat rescue officer, flew with the Air Guard airmen in their C-130, equipped with thermal imaging equipment.
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…