Japan’s cabinet has approved the use of about 200 air force support elements in Iraq through July 31, 2008. In May, Japanese legislators passed a measure that would permit the airlift mission to continue for another two years.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.