Two Years On, Goldfein Says Operations Show F-35 a Game-Changer
Two years after the Air Force declared initial operational capability with the F-35, the jet is turning in “game changing” performance, both in combat capability and, among the latest block of production jets, high reliability, Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein said in an interview with Air Force Magazine. Goldfein said the jet provides its pilot with unprecedented visibility into the air combat picture even before becoming airborne, eliminating surprises and ensuring the pilot can employ the jet to its fullest advantage. Read the full story by John A. Tirpak.
American Service Member Killed in Special Ops Helicopter Crash in Iraq
F-22s Forward Deploy to Spain, Train with Typhoons
The F-22 squadron deployed to Europe continued its tour through the continent, forward deploying to Spain for partner training late last week. The F-22s from the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall AFB, Fla., deployed from Spangdahlem AB, Germany, to Los Llanos AB, Spain, on Aug. 16 for aerial refueling training, along with simulated dogfights against Spanish Eurofighter Typhoons, according to a US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa release. “It was very good training,” Capt. Antonio Juarez, 142nd Squadron Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon pilot, said in the release. “It was the first time we trained with this platform, and it’s good for us to fly with different squadrons and aircraft to see the movements in the air.” —Brian Everstine
Global Hawk Touches Down at Red Flag Alaska for the First Time
A Global Hawk is participating in Red Flag Alaska for the first time. An RQ-4 from the 12th Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale AFB, Calif., touched down at Eielson AFB, Alaska, for the exercise on Aug. 16, according to a 9th Reconnaissance Wing release. This iteration of the exercise includes more than 100 aircraft from the US, Australia, Canada, and Great Britain. The USAF contingent also includes F-16s from the Reserve 457th Fighter Squadron from NAS Fort Worth-Joint Reserve Base, Texas, which are treating Red Flag-Alaska as a “graduation exercise” with more realistic training than the squadron usually faces, according to a 354th Fighter Wing release. —Brian Everstine
Belgian and German Air Forces Take Over Baltic Air Policing
RADAR SWEEP
—Iran next week will unveil a new fighter jet and new missile capabilities, the country’s defense minister said on Saturday: Reuters.
—US pilots flying in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan have reported more than 350 incidents where they have been targeted by laser pointers over the past seven months, an increase over last year: The Wall Street Journal.
—A C-17 from the 315th Airlift Wing at JB Charleston, S.C., made an emergency landing at McGhee Tyson ANGB, Tenn., on Friday due to a pressurization issue. There were no injuries: 315th AW Facebook post.
—JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, is planning a $150 million runway extension to help reduce congestion: Anchorage Daily News.
—The United Kingdom Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth sailed from its home port for the US on Aug. 18. The ship will carry out flight trials with F-35Bs at NAS Patuxent River, Md.: Jane’s 360.