Air Education and Training Command leader Gen. William Looney has ordered a standdown for all T-38C Talon training, following the second fatal accident in two weeks involving the primary trainer for initial fighter-bomber pilot training. In a May 1 statement, Looney said that the service had “no evidence” that the incidents at Columbus AFB, Miss., and Sheppard AFB, Tex., are related and added, “until we have a more complete understanding of the causes of both accidents, it’s prudent to stand down the T-38s.” Both accidents are still under investigation.
F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico in recent days, continuing a major buildup of U.S. Air Force assets in Latin America aimed at combating drug trafficking and pressuring the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
