Maj. Walter D. Gray, 38, of Conyers, Ga., died Aug. 8 from injuries suffered during a suicide bomb attack in Kunar province, Afghanistan, announced the Pentagon. Gray was assigned to the 13th Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Carson, Colo. “Major Gray’s ultimate sacrifice is a tragic loss for the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing family,” said Col. Samuel Milam, commander of the Moody AFB, Ga., wing, which is the 13th ASOS’ parent unit. Milan added, “[Gray] was a tremendous officer and leader. Our most heartfelt sympathies are with the Gray family and the airmen of the 13th Air Support Operations Squadron during this difficult time.” (See also report from WCTV of Tallahassee, Fla.)
Less than a day after arriving in the Middle East, F-15E Strike Eagles from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. defended Israel from an Iranian attack in April 2024. DUDE flight, four F-15Es from the 335th Fighter Squadron, downed two dozen Iranian drones in roughly 45 minutes.