The A
ir Force’s RC-135 Rivet Joint platforms continue to provide a constant presence in Southwest Asia—earlier this year they racked up 6,000 days—and fulfill both national and tactical mission requirements, reports Capt. West Ticer. Among its capabilities, Rivet Joint mission crew members can “provide threat tippers via a classified chat capability, which enables us to cross-cue with other intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance and combat platforms who might be in the area … to give our warfighters a more complete picture,” said Lt. Col. Karen Bridges, commander of the 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron.
The Air Force's new Aircraft Readiness Unit will maintain and provide Collaborative Combat Aircraft for operations, but won’t serve as a “schoolhouse” teaching fighter pilots how to manage these escort drones.