Col. Bob “Farmer” Hines was selected to train with NASA as an alternate Artemis III mission crew member. His unique capabilities qualify Hines as a backup for every spot on the four-person Prime crew. While training, he must maintain peak proficiency in all crew positions. He noted, “Early on in the training, my focus will be on the skills that the commander is learning, … make sure I’m branching off and understanding all the other crews’ roles and responsibilities.” Hines is an Air Force test pilot with more than 4,000 flight hours in 50 aircraft types and has also logged 170 days in orbit. NASA plans to launch Artemis III in 2027.
Staff Sgt. Jacob Derry
For the first time in 20 years—and first time in U.S. Air Force history—two air commandos have successfully completed the mountain warfare course at the Mountain Military School in Argentina. Col. Zak Blom (top), commander of the 492nd Special Operations Wing (SOW), and Col. Scott Hurrelbrink, commander of the 919th SOW, navigated the rigorous curriculum in Patagonia that pushes students to overcome mental and physical limits. Both mastered advanced rock climbing, rope safety techniques, and crossing dangerous mountain rivers across rope bridges. They were invited to stay for the instructors’ course, which they also passed and were invited back as guest instructors for the course in the future.
Liz Easterling/USAF · USAF
Two pilots from the 99th Flying Training Squadron (FTS) became the first AETC pilots qualified to fly the T-7A Red Hawk. As part of the first T-7 squadron in the Air Force, Lt. Col. Michael Trott (left), 99th FTS commander, and Lt. Col. Phillip Bourguin, 99th FTS director of operations, focused on fundamentals of the new aircraft: takeoff, landings, enroute navigation, and overall system familiarization, and will continue to fly seasoning sorties to gain more experience. “This moment marks a critical step in the overall process of fielding the new trainer fleet,” Trott said. They will become the first T-7A AETC instructor pilots once the squadron reaches IOC, targeted for August 2027.
Benjamin Faske/USAF
Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Sydney Otis hit a CAP milestone becoming the 500th student pilot to graduate from the Cadet Wings program with her private pilot’s certificate on June 11. Otis, who is 17 years old, is part of the CAP’s youth initiative working to help replenish America’s pilot shortage. “The day I soloed a glider at 15 was the day I knew I wanted to pursue aviation seriously,” Otis said. The Cadet Wings program gave her the financial support and community mentorship to help achieve her goals. Like all student pilots there were challenges along the way, and Otis overcame them with maturity, professionalism, and a positive attitude. She plans to become a certified flight instructor before she starts college in 2027.
Civil Air Patrol
Air Force Col. Alfredo Laboy set a goal of becoming the only Active-duty service member to complete all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors in a single calendar year—and prevailed. The global races he completed were in Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. Only 44 athletes worldwide have conquered this endurance racing feat. Laboy, the Air Forces Southern liaison officer to U.S. Southern Command, challenged himself to test his discipline, consistency, and resilience, the same traits expected in his Air Force career. “Readiness isn’t limited by age, but it’s sustained by mindset. … When Airmen take care of themselves, they’re better prepared to take care of the mission,” Laboy said.
Provided image
The Ira C. Eaker Center’s Warfighting Education Directorate earned the prestigious General Muir S. Fairchild Educational Achievement Award for 2025 by providing the Air Force’s top contribution in military education and leadership. The directorate modernized the curriculum and overhauled 14 courses, saving the Air Force over $1 million and 1,000 man-days annually. They also initiated the first in-theater Combined Force Air Component Commander’s Course for 20 general and flag officers. The team’s Unit of Action staff course uses mobile education teams to deliver mission training directly to deploying units in the field, capping off an outstanding year of achievements.
Trey Ward
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