The space shuttle contingency recovery team at Edwards AFB, Calif., conducted a “picture perfect” recovery of Endeavor on Nov. 30, according to Reserve Brig. Gen. Jim Hogue, individual mobilization augmentee to the Air Force Flight Test Center commander, who oversees the team. • And, speaking of Edwards, the AFFTC museum has just received the diaries of the base’s namesake, Capt. Glen Edwards, who died in December 1949 while co-piloting the YB-49, a flying wing prototype. • Vandenberg AFB, Calif., has received the California Space Authority’s National Security Space Award as a tribute to the base’s 50 years in the defense of the nation, conducting space launch and missile defense operations. • The Air Traffic Control Association has presented Air Mobility Command’s Terminal Instrument Procedures team with its Earl F. Ward Memorial Award, which recognizes the air traffic control group that has done most to contribute to ATC quality, safety, or efficiency in the past year.
National Guard adjutants general from nearly two dozen states have signed a letter to Congress seeking multiyear funding for the Air Force to purchase between 72 and 100 new fighter jets per year to modernize the total force.The letter, sent to Congress last week, stresses the need for the Air…