U
S Air Force B-2 bombers have been flying 18-hour missions to Australia to make use of the Delamere bombing range in Australia’s Northern Territory, as part of Exercise Green Lightning. USAF KC-10 tankers enabled the bombers to participate in this new bi-national training event, which US Pacific Command officials say will improve operational familiarity in the region and relations with Australian counterparts. Future exercises are to feature USAF’s other strategic bombers—the B-1B and B-52—flying long-haul missions to Australia.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.