The Air Force is using two C-5B and two C-5M transports operating out of Western Europe to help US Transportation Command move Army helicopters into Afghanistan and bring others back to the United States. The C-5s will haul more than 170 helicopters during this operation, including CH-47 Chinooks, UH-60 Black Hawks, and OH-58 Kiowas, according to Air Mobility Command officials at Scott AFB, Ill. Commercial ships are carrying 159th Combat Aviation Brigade helicopters to Western Europe for loading onto the C-5s, which then fly them directly into Afghanistan. The C-5s are bringing back 101st Combat Aviation Brigade helos to Europe for loading on the ships for the trip back to the United States. The four C-5 are assigned to the 436th Airlift Wing at Dover AFB, Del. (Scott report by MSgt. Scott T. Sturkol)
When acting Air Force Secretary Gary A. Ashworth rescinded service-wide “Family Days” last week citing the need to build readiness, he left it up to commanders, directors, and supervisors to decide if they would still permit extra days off. Here’s how Air Force major commands are taking that guidance.