The 17th Operational Weather Squadron at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, has completed its consolidation of weather units in the Pacific region with the recent inactivation of the 11th OWS at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. The 17th OWS began this consolidation, an effort designed to save money and manpower, in 2006, merging with the 20th OWS formerly at Yokota AB, Japan. Airmen of the 17th now provide all weather support for US Pacific Command, US Forces Korea, PACAF, US Army Pacific Command, PACOM Special Operations Component, and US Pacific Fleet. (17th OWS report by MSgt. Jesse Lee)
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.
