Daily Report

Dec. 1, 2011

Senate Nears Vote on Defense Authorization Bill

The Senate on Wednesday cleared the way for a vote on S. 1867, its version of the Fiscal 2012 defense authorization bill, by week’s end by moving to limit additional floor debate, which already has gone on for more than...

US, Iraq Affirm Partnership

Vice President Joe Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki delivered a joint statement on Wednesday reaffirming the two nations’ desire to have an enduring partnership after US troops complete their withdrawal from Iraq later this month. “Few nations...

Civil Air Patrol Turns 70

On Dec. 1, 1941, just six days before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Civil Air Patrol was born. On Thursday, this all-volunteer organization celebrates its 70th anniversary. "On this historic day, I am reminded of the sacrifices of the founding members of CAP's Coastal Patrol, who—propelled by duty and love of country—quickly proved their worth during World War II by conducting aerial patrols that discouraged and eventually stopped deadly German U-boat attacks along America's shores," stated Maj. Gen. Charles Carr, CAP national commander, in a release. He added, "These members helped save lives and preserve our nation’s freedom." CAP had some 61,000 members during World War II. Today, this Air Force auxiliary provides essential emergency, operational, and public services to communities, states, the federal government, and the US military. "Congratulations to each of you who continue CAP's legacy of selfless sacrifice and service to country and community," said Carr to his current officers and cadets. "Civil Air Patrol truly has evolved into a world-class public service organization." Legislation pending in Congress would award CAP a Congressional Gold Medal for its members' World War II service. (See also this CAP release.)

Unearthing China’s Underground Tunnel Network

Students from Georgetown University, led by Phillip Karber, a professor who was once a Pentagon strategist, have assembled the largest known body of public knowledge on China’s vast network of tunnels designed to hide and protect the country’s arsenal of...

Nellis Crews Clean up F-15C Crash Site

Airmen from Nellis AFB, Nev., worked alongside California Army National Guardsmen last month to remove thousands of pounds of debris from the site of a non-fatal F-15C crash on the grounds of the Nevada Test and Training Range. The F-15,...

Beale Reservists Spend Time with Global Hawks at Guam

More than 140 Air Force Reservists with the 13th Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale AFB, Calif., deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam, in November to train for about a month with the RQ-4 Global Hawks stationed there. The squadron members joined in...

Mini Bomb Completes Captive-Carry Tests

Raytheon announced Wednesday that it has completed captive-carry tests of the newest configuration of its Small Tactical Munition, the tiniest air-launched weapon in its portfolio. This paves the way for flight tests, according to the company. STM phase II weighs...

Museum adds Vietnam War Gallery to Virtual Tour

The National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, has added its Southeast Asia War Gallery to its online virtual tour feature. This addition is one of the museum’s activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first...

Overseas Commissaries Losing Magazines

Starting in January, the Defense Commissary Agency will no longer sell magazines in its overseas stores. This policy affects all commissaries in Europe, the Pacific—Guam, Japan, Okinawa, and South Korea—and Puerto Rico, said DeCA officials Wednesday. “The decision to eliminate...