Proving that duty for airmen in Southwest Asia is often two-fold, USAF firefighters of the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, not only ply their main task of fire support to Kirkuk Air Base in Iraq, but also teach Iraqis first aid and basic firefighting skills. Many of the Iraqis they train will work to protect Iraq’s oil pipelines. According to the 506th’s TSgt. Clifford Snyder, the interaction has shown him many Iraqis are eager for help and “want the opportunity to work and earn a living just like anybody.”
KC-46’s Refueling Boom Damaged While Refueling F-22s
July 8, 2025
A U.S. Air Force KC-46 tanker suffered damage to its boom while refueling F-22 Raptors off the coast of Virginia on July 8, Air & Space Forces Magazine has confirmed, with reported radio communication from the crew indicating the boom “detached.”