Brig. Gen. James Post has surpassed 4,000 cumulative hours flying the F-16, becoming the only known USAF active duty general to do so. Commander of the 354th Fighter Wing at Eielson AFB, Alaska, Post achieved the rare mark while flying his 2,565th sortie on March 3. “I’ve always felt most proud when providing close air support to troops on the ground,” said Post, noting that the achievement is all “about the responsibility we all have to remain as ready and proficient as possible.” He switched from the F-4 to the F-16 in 1987, at Luke AFB, Ariz. Post accrued 280 combat hours while enforcing restricted flight zones over Iraq during Operation Northern Watch and Operation Southern Watch and in providing ground support during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. (Eielson report by Capt. Frank Hartnett)
Meink: Air Force Has Five More E-7s Under Contract
April 30, 2026
The Air Force has contracts in place for five additional E-7A Wedgetail airborne battle management aircraft, Secretary Troy Meink told lawmakers April 30. Meink also said the Department of the Air Force wants to work with Congress to find ways to continue to fund the E-7 next year and beyond,…