The Afghan air force built upon its productive year of growth by planning and executing a field exercise on its own. Maj. Gen. Raziq Sherzai, Kandahar Air Wing commander, selected a facilities fire-response scenario for the fledgling air force’s third-ever field exercise, which took place last week. The purpose was to ensure that the wing was ready to accept $40 million worth of new facilities that NATO constructed. During field training exercise 11-02, the Afghan airmen assessed the wing’s response to everything from command and control to personnel accountability and medical care. During the drill, on-scene commanders directed the response after Afghan security forces spotted smoke that indicated a fire. Wing firefighters rapidly responded and got the fire under control, while demonstrating proper use of firefighting equipment. Firefighters also safely removed three mock casualties and a medical team established a triage area. (Kandahar report by Capt. Rob Leese)
Planning an Air Show Is Hard. At Andrews, It’s Even Harder
Sept. 17, 2025
Joint Base Andrews opened its flightline this month to thousands of civilians, exposing a normally restricted airbase that regularly hosts the president and foreign dignitaries to a curious public eager to see current and historic military aircraft up close and in action.
