The Air Force has awarded Bronze Stars to three airmen at Whiteman AFB, Mo., for their efforts while deployed to Southwest Asia. Capt. Adam Minnich served as a flight commander for supply chain management, leading development of Afghanistan’s first fuel distribution plan and system, a $3 million effort. TSgt. Richard Barker served as a convoy commander in Iraq, where he led 18 combat convoys, traveling 28,000 miles in “a dangerous and unpredictable environment,” reports SSgt. Rob Hazelett. The third medal went to TSgt. Michael Shumate, an explosive ordnance disposal specialist, who led a weapons intelligence team during a six-month rotation to Iraq.
USAF to Start Rotating Fighters to Misawa
May 12, 2025
The Air Force will rotate fighters through Misawa AB, Japan starting this summer to bridge the gap between the F-16 drawdown and the F-35 delivery, expected to start in Spring 2026. The rotation of fighter squadrons will continue until the base's new f-35 fleet achieves full operational readiness.