Daily Report

May 15, 2012

The Search Begins

The Air Force on May 14 announced its basing criteria for the candidate locations of the KC-46A tanker’s formal training unit and first two main operating bases. Active Duty units will lead the FTU and first main operating base (MOB...

Defending the Aggressors

Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) met with Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to discuss the Air Force’s proposed relocation of its F-16 aggressor squadron from Eielson Air Force Base to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Fiscal 2013. Begich has been against the move,...

Missile Warning Encore

The Air Force approved full-up production of the NexGen infrared missile warning system to protect its combat-delivery airlifters and special-mission C-130s, announced manufacturer Northrop Grumman on May 14. The new missile-detection system is an add-on to the company’s Large Aircraft...

Connect or Disconnect

Air Force Global Strike Command boss Lt. Gen. James Kowalski previewed digital communications upgrades to the B-52H bomber on a recent visit to Edwards AFB, Calif., stated command officials in a release. The Combat Network Communications Technology currently undergoing trials...

F-16 Intelligence Schoolhouse Hits Milestone

After 15 years of operations, the F-16 Intelligence Formal Training Unit at Luke AFB, Ariz., graduated its 1,000th student. “The 1,000th graduate is an important milestone because it shows how far we have come,” said Ed Rutkowski, the unit’s course...

Air Force Academy Cadet Honored

Secretary Michael Donley recognized Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Dustin Hayhurst as the 2011 Air Force Cadet of the Year during a ceremony at the Pentagon. “In Dustin, we recognize a cadet who truly exemplifies one of the Air...

Cooperation and Kerosene

Tanker crews from across Europe gathered at RAF Mildenhall, Britain, to discuss the wisdom accumulated in operations over Libya and how to improve NATO cooperation in future air campaigns. “During [Operation Unified Protector], improvements were identified, that if implemented, could...

Tyndall Wing Changes Mission Statement

The 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall AFB, Fla., has revised its mission statement to reflect its forthcoming transition from an F-22 pilot training unit into one that operates both the F-22 schoolhouse as well as a squadron of combat-ready F-22s....

Aviation Legend Dies

Evelyn Bryan Johnson, who racked up more flying hours than any other woman and the second most flying hours of any pilot overall, died on May 10 at age 102 in Jefferson City, Tenn., according to press reports. A 2007...