The Defense Department has authorized campaign stars for the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal to recognize designated campaigns in those two countries. There are three for Afghan operations, ranging from Liberation of Afghanistan to Consolidation II, which is still ongoing. There are four campaigns designated for Iraq, starting with Liberating of Iraq and through the ongoing National Resolution campaign. (For specific dates, see the DOD release.)
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…