Air Forces Central boss, Lt. Gen. Gary North, presented a Bronze Star medal to Capt. Josh Aultman during a visit to Sather Air Base in Iraq April 15. Aultman has been serving as communications planner for the Multi-National Force-Baghdad and received the medal for his “exceptional performance and outstanding bravery,” according to the 447th Air Expeditionary Group photo release.
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.