The “Enemy” Comes to Virtual Training: 
In a first of its kind event, the Air Force linked “enemy” MiG-29s into its network of simulators “flying” in Virtual Flag 2006. The New Mexico Air National Guard supplied the “enemy” pilots. The Distributed Mission Operations Center at Kirtland AFB, N.M., linked simulators around the country into a cyber battlespace for aircrews, and space and ground operators. Officials say about 75 percent of the Virtual Flag participants worked from their home stations. (Read our article “Distributed Mission Operations” here.)
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…