Maj. Dan Belden, deputy for mission design within the Space Development and Test Wing at Los Angeles AFB, Calif., received a Bronze Star medal Jan. 13 for actions in helping to reconstitute the Iraqi Air Force. During a one-year deployment that began in July 2007, Belden was part of the coalition air force training team in Baghdad and directly contributed to the growth of the IqAF from 28 to 71 aircraft. This included the acquisition of 22 Mi-17 helicopters for the Iraqis as well as the inaugural procurement of night-vision devices for Iraqi aircrews. Gen. Robert Kehler, Air Force Space Command commander, presented Belden with the medal. “I am honored and humbled to be recognized with such a distinct award for serving with the outstanding men and women of CAFTT” as well as other coalition offices and organizations,” said Belden. (Los Angeles report by Michael Kleiman)
Work Has Begun to Adapt Qatari 747 to Fly as Air Force One
Sept. 15, 2025
The Air Force has started modifying a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for "executive airlift," a spokesperson said Sept. 15. President Donald Trump has said he wants to fly the jet as “Air Force One” since new presidential transports, held up by delays, won't be ready until after his term…
