Three airmen died Jan. 5 in Shir ghazi in Helmand province, Afghanistan, when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device, announced the Defense Department. Killed were: TSgt. Matthew S. Schwartz, 34, of Traverse City, Mich.; SrA. Bryan R. Bell, 23, of Erie, Pa.; and A1C Matthew R. Seidler, 24, of Westminster, Md. Schwartz was assigned to the 90th Civil Engineer Squadron at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. Bell was a member of the 2nd CES at Barksdale AFB, La. Seidler’s home unit was the 21st CES at Peterson AFB, Colo.
The Air Force's new Aircraft Readiness Unit will maintain and provide Collaborative Combat Aircraft for operations, but won’t serve as a “schoolhouse” teaching fighter pilots how to manage these escort drones.