USAF officials announce the service has created a new enlisted aviator field-1A9X1 Special Missions Aircraft-that will encompass aerial gunners and flight engineers who serve aboard the HH-60G Pave Hawk and CV-22 Osprey and loadmasters who serve on AC-130 gunships and special operations non-standard aircraft.
Secretary of Defense Austin Lloyd III met with his counterparts from Australia, Japan and the Philippines to discuss bolstering defense ties on May 2. The discussion included plans for joint F-35 exercises with Japan and Australia in the coming years.