The Air Force and the state of South Carolina have approved the 9th Air Force and US Air Forces Central Airmen’s Memorial Foundation as a private organization, enabling it to begin receiving donations to build a memorial to honor all airmen who have been killed in action since June 28, 1942, the birth date for 9th AF. CMSgt. Scott Dearduff, 9th AF/AFCENT command chief master sergeant, formed the memorial committee shortly after arriving at Shaw AFB, S.C., home to 9th AF. He said, “Our airmen have served in conflicts throughout history, and there are many who made the ultimate sacrifice.” (Shaw report by SSgt. Amanda Savannah)
Seven F-22 Raptor pilots have recently been awarded one of the military’s highest decorations for their actions during operations in the Middle East. Six of the pilots were decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for their role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.