Two fighters participating in the current Red Flag Alaska collided in mid-air, sending one crashing into a rural area and the other limping back to Eielson AFB, Alaska, the host site for the Red Flag exercise. An F-15C from Langley AFB, Va., crashed after its pilot ejected safely, while the other fighter, an F-16C from the 64th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis AFB, Nev., suffered some damage but made it back to Eielson.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.