Lockheed Delivers Final Super Galaxy

Lockheed Martin on Thursday delivered the final C-5M Super Galaxy to the Air Force, finishing the last of 52 upgrades of the massive airlifter. The Super Galaxy upgrades date back to Air Mobility Command’s C-5 Avionics Modernization Program in 1998, which was aimed at increasing the service life of the C-5 fleet. The modifications include new General Electric F138 engines, updated avionics, and other upgrades that increased the reliability, fuel efficiency, and operational capability of the aircraft. The aircraft are stationed at Dover AFB, Del.; Travis AFB, Calif.; JBSA-Lackland AFB, Texas; and Westover ARB, Mass., according to the Air Force. The last C-5M was ferried by a crew from the 439th Airlift Wing at Westover, and is at Stewart ANGB, N.Y., where it will undergo an interior paint restoration before flying to Westover, according to Lockheed. —Brian Everstine

B-52s, Poseidons Train in East China Sea

Two B-52Hs flew alongside two US Navy P-8 Poseidons over the East China Sea in another show of force in the region on Wednesday, days after a similar flight alongside Japanese aircraft in the region. The bombers, part of the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, which is deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam, as part of the Air Force’s continuous bomber presence mission, flew alongside the Poseidons in the vicinity of Japan over the East China Sea on Aug. 1, according to Pacific Air Forces. The bombers were supported by a tanker from the Hawaii Air National Guard, according to Pacific Air Forces photographs of the mission. The flight came five days after two B-52s flew alongside Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15s on a bilateral training mission near Japan. —Brian Everstine

Moody A-10s Deploy to Afghanistan

The 75th Fighter Squadron from Moody AFB, Ga., has taken over the main close air support role in Afghanistan. The Tiger Sharks deployed to Kandahar Airfield in mid-July, replacing A-10s from the Indiana Air National Guard’s 163rd Fighter Squadron, according to Air Forces Central Command. “Our primary mission here is to provide close-air support and combat search and rescue,” 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander Lt. Col. Sean Hall said in a release. “The majority of our missions will be supporting the [Afghan National Security Forces], whether it be a show of presence or freedom of movement patrol. We’re out here providing over watch to ensure if need be, lethal deterrence against the enemy.” It is the second deployment for the 75th within a few weeks. On July 9, A-10s and airmen with the squadron deployed to an undisclosed location in support of Operation Spartan Shield—a US Central Command mission based in Kuwait aimed at deterring “regional aggression” and stabilizing countries in the region. —Brian Everstine

Strategic Capabilities Office Gets New Director

The Pentagon’s office focused on innovation has a new boss. Chris Shank recently took over as the director of the Defense Department’s Strategic Capabilities Office, according to a biography on the DOD website. Shank, who previously was a vice president at Van Scoyoc Associates and a senior advisor to the Secretary of the Air Force, takes over a position vacated by the office’s first director, Will Roper, who is now the Air Force’s top civilian acquisition official. Before working for the Air Force, Shank also led the review teams of NASA and the National Science Foundation for President Trump’s transition team. —Brian Everstine

Kelly Confirmed to Take Over Personnel

The Senate on Tuesday confirmed Maj. Gen. Brian Kelly to receive his third star and take over as deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel, and services. Kelly is currently the commander of the Air Force Personnel Center, and previously served as the director of military force management policy. Kelly will take over for Lt. Gen. Gina Grosso.

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RADAR SWEEP

—The Air Force said Friday there was no reported damage after a meteor impacted Earth near Thule AB, Greenland, on July 25: Washington Examiner.

—Officials at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, are investigating the mysterious 911 call that prompted the lockdown and investigation of an active shooter on the base on Thursday. After a brief lockdown and sweep of the base hospital, it was determined there was not a threat: The Associated Press.

—Iran on Thursday kicked off a major exercise in the Strait of Hormuz, with US and allied nations keeping a close eye on the activity: The Wall Street Journal.

—Airmen with the 447th Air Expeditionary Group work alongside Iraqi military members to keep aircraft flying at Qayyarah West, an austere airfield that was integral to the liberation of Mosul: AFCENT release.