The 363rd Training Squadron at Sheppard AFB, Tex., graduated the first class of senior noncommissioned officers from its new nine-level aircraft armament systems course. Fifteen master sergeants successfully completed the two-week course on Sept. 23. The Air Force established the course to give career maintainers the opportunity to become managers. Traditionally, such maintainers obtained nine-level certification through on-the-job training. The new course is designed to make the process of creating effective nine-level aircraft armament NCOs more efficient. While initial armament systems training is platform-specific, the nine-level course combines airmen from all airframes in the same classroom. Sheppard is scheduled to hold four of these courses a year, perhaps five at some point. Aircraft armament now is the third Air Force career field to require a course to complete nine-level certification. (Sheppard report by Capt. Brittany Martin)
Work Has Begun to Adapt Qatari 747 to Fly as Air Force One
Sept. 15, 2025
The Air Force has started modifying a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for "executive airlift," a spokesperson said Sept. 15. President Donald Trump has said he wants to fly the jet as “Air Force One” since new presidential transports, held up by delays, won't be ready until after his term…
