The Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) missile failed to fly in a planned test launch, due to mechanical errors, not the missile design, sources reported. The problem follows captive-carry test flight issues during the spring and summer, which led to a HAWC prototype being damaged. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency predicted in September it would fly HAWC before the end of the calendar year, but that schedule will slip to January at the earliest.

Change is coming to make the Department of the Air Force a more diverse, equitable place—but it won't happen overnight, the four-star generals in charge of the Air Force and Space Force said in a Dec. 22 town hall on racism and discrimination. “Shame on us if we miss this opportunity to make a change that's required across our Air Force to make it better, whether it's the Air Force or the Space Force,” Air Force Chief of Staff Charles Q. Brown Jr. said. The discussion comes the day after the Department of the Air Force released the results of an Inspector General report on racial disparities across the force.

When the revived U.S. Space Command got up and running more than one year ago, Pentagon leaders faced the question: They knew they needed the group again, but how would it work? The organization, which manages operations of the satellites, radars, and other support systems that enable everything from guided missiles to troop communications, launched in August 2019. Since then, SPACECOM has built a staff of nearly 600 employees from across the military, according to Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Brook J. Leonard. What has also matured is the command’s understanding of how the armed forces should work together to use and defend space assets.

Top Air Force and Defense Department leaders visited several bases throughout the Middle East to meet with Airmen for the holidays, and receive updates on ongoing missions. Air Force Secretary Barbara M. Barrett, Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass met with Airmen at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, and al-Udeid Air Base, Qatar. In a Dec. 22 tweet, Barrett said the Airmen “are the ultimate competitors in a competition-driven security environment—the Nation sleeps soundly at night because of their efforts.” Also on Dec. 22, Acting Defense Secretary Christopher C. Miller traveled to Afghanistan in an unannounced visit. During the trip, he met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to discuss ongoing U.S. military support and peace talks.

The nonprofit Blue Star Families on Dec. 16 debuted a million-dollar Racial Equity Initiative to diversify the military- and veteran-service organization communities and ensure that military families of color feel connected, included, and as though they belong.