No More Libyas

The Air Force’s capacity to do multiple big operations either simultaneously or in quick succession will end when the service implements budget cuts now in development, said Lt. Gen. Herbert Carlisle, deputy chief of staff for operations, plans, and requirements,...

To Do What?

In spite of the estimated $450 billion over 10 years that the Defense Department must take out of its plans, the Air Force hasn’t been given any relief from the missions it now performs, so it’s choosing lower capacity rather...

Put Away the Long Knives

The services have marching orders not to poach on each other’s programs or missions in the current drill to rapidly downsize, said Lt. Gen. Herbert Carlisle, Thursday during an AFA-sponsored address in Arlington, Va. Carlisle, who oversees operations, plans, and...

Tanker on the Scene

Airmen at Fairchild AFB, Wash., earlier this month hosted Air Mobility Command’s first exercise to prepare KC-135 aircrews for acting as on-the-scene commanders during rescues of downed airmen. “This is a role that KC-135s are rarely used for, but fully...

NATO Ready and Waiting

US Air Forces Europe airmen recently participated in NATO’s Brilliant Arrow exercise that is designed to certify that alliance members’ air forces are prepared for a year-long NATO Response Force readiness period next year. Hosted by Germany, 1,200 allied personnel...

Polish C-130 Maintenance Officers Visit Dyess

A group of Polish air force officers visited Dyess AFB, Tex., for two weeks of fundamental C-130 maintenance and management skills training with members of Dyess’ 317th Airlift Group. “This visit will only strengthen our international relationship,” said 1st Lt....

A Mosquito That’s Nice to Have Nearby

Air Force Research Lab engineers at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, have developed a prototype portable system that will allow USAF special operators to survey ground hardness quickly and efficiently when they are establishing landing zones in remote areas. The engineers crafted...

Afghan Medics Get Flight Certification

Four Afghan air force medics with the Kandahar Air Wing recently graduated from the AAF’s first basic flight medic course. USAF airmen of the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron taught the 40-hour course at Kandahar; in the future, the instruction...

Grasshopper Greetings

An airworthy L-2M liaison aircraft from World War II, complete with original radio equipment, replaced a less authentic model at the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. The former Army Air Forces “grasshopper,” which logged 230...

Lions and Tigers and Bears

US manufacturers Boeing and Lockheed Martin announced foreign deliveries of several C-130Js to Qatar, a C-17 to the United Arab Emirates, and the first Peace Eye 737 airborne early warning and control aircraft to South Korea. The Qatari air force...