Without forces of its own, the fledgling 17th Air Force/Air Forces Africa can plan theater security cooperation events but has to request assistance to carry them out, like recently engaging 18 airmen from Ramstein AB, Germany, and two Army Reservists from Tennessee to train Uganda military members in humanitarian airdrop procedures. “Once we have a basic plan in place, we have to request for forces through the Air Staff to find those airmen who will travel to the [African] continent to make it happen,” said Col. Don Kochanski, AFAFRICA’s director of plans and engagements. As for this latest effort to Uganda, the commander of Entebbe Air Base, Col. Kaija Ham, said, “This course has come at a right time, when we need it most.” (17th AF report by Maj. Paula Kurtz)
Meink: Air Force Has Five More E-7s Under Contract
April 30, 2026
The Air Force has contracts in place for five additional E-7A Wedgetail airborne battle management aircraft, Secretary Troy Meink told lawmakers April 30. Meink also said the Department of the Air Force wants to work with Congress to find ways to continue to fund the E-7 next year and beyond,…