A pair of C-130Js from Ramstein AB, Germany, deployed for a joint training exercise with French air force C-130Hs at Air Base 123 near Orleans, southwest of Paris. “This is the first time that French and American C-130 crews have trained together in France,” said French air force Lt. Col. Laurent Neumann, vice commander of Transport Squadron 2/61. “We regularly work together according to standardized procedures, but it is important to regularly upkeep the bonds of confidence that unite us,” he added in the French air force’s Nov. 19 release (English-language translation by Daily Report staff.) The aircrews practiced low-altitude formation flying, joint airdrops, and airborne assault tactics during the week-long exercise, which ran from Nov. 12 to Nov. 16. Approximately 40 aircrew members and support personnel from Ramstein’s 37th Airlift Squadron participated in the event. The units plan to continue the relationship with more joint training in the near future. (Orleans report by FAF Capt. Karim Djemai)
Three of four congressional committees with influence over defense policy have voted to change the official name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War—but final approval of the Pentagon rebrand is months away and not yet assured.