The last T-37 Tweet training sortie has been flown at Sheppard AFB, Tex., home to the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program. The Air Force formally retired the Tweet from its specialized undergraduate pilot training program last spring, after SUPT bases transitioned to the new T-6 Texan II. The 80th Flying Training Wing, which runs the ENJJPT at Sheppard, conducted its last Tweet sortie on June 17. Col. David Petersen, wing commander, said of the T-37, “it’s been a good trainer for 50 years; right up to the end, it’s been a good aircraft.” The 80th FTW began training new pilots with the T-6 in August 2008. (Sheppard report by John Ingle)
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
