A small cadre of instructors recently began training maintainers of RQ-4 Global Hawk remotely piloted aircraft at Grand Forks AFB, N.D. Detachment 27 of the 372nd Training Squadron at Sheppard AFB, Tex., stood up at Grand Forks this summer to take advantage of the 69th Reconnaissance Group’s RQ-4s now based there, according to a Nov. 19 base release. “What we teach here is advanced courses for airmen to achieve their five- and seven-level requirements on the RQ-4,” said MSgt. Donald King, Det. 27 chief. “We use the 69th RG’s aircraft to train; what we do is provide the instruction,” he added. The three-week course expands maintainers’ knowledge base to encompass lifecycle issues, operational employment demands, and theoretical topics beyond basic shop skills, said King. Since August, the cadre has grown to three and will eventually total five instructors when it fully stands up next April, states the release. (Grand Forks report by A1C Derek Van Horn)
Air Force Eyes New-Build F-16s to Boost Fighter Force
Sept. 16, 2026
The Air Force will consider acquiring new F-16 Fighting Falcon jets to answer capacity shortfalls in its aging fighter fleet, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. These discussions are happening as the Air Force is building its proposed fiscal 2028 budget and the five-year spending plan that goes…
