Six Air Force installations will begin this summer to offer airmen more meal choices via campus-style dining under the Air Force Food Transformation Initiative. On Tuesday, campus-style dining is expected to begin at MacDill, AFB, Fla., and Patrick AFB, Fla., followed later in the summer by the four other pilot locations: JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Fairchild AFB, Wash.; Little Rock AFB, Ark.; and Travis AFB, Calif. This change will allow airmen to use their meal cards not only at their installation’s dining facility, but also at most force support squadron non-appropriated fund dining venues, according to Air Force Services Agency officials. “Offering airmen more dining options throughout the installation not only gives them more freedom, but creates a community atmosphere,” said George Miller, AFSVA food and beverage operations chief. The Air Force launched FTI in October 2010. Under it, dining facilities also have added new and healthier menu options. (San Antonio report by Erin Tindell)
A year away from its likely retirement—and 70 years to the day after the first U-2 flight—a two-seat version of the Dragon Lady from the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force, Calif., set records for distance covered and endurance on a single mission, demonstrating the venerable type’s continuing capability.