The German Air Force Flying Training Center at Holloman AFB, N.M., earlier this month celebrated completion of 55,555 flight hours with their Tornado fighters. The German airmen shared the milestone celebration with their hosts the 49th Fighter Wing at Holloman, where the GAF FTC has trained German pilots at Holloman since 1996, but GAF training has taken place at various USAF bases since 1958, according to the unit fact sheet. Col. Peter Klement, GAF FTC commander, said, “Certainly this occasion could not be possible no matter how hard we worked, no matter how dedicated we are, if it wasn’t for our friends at Holloman Air Force Base and our friends in the community of Alamogordo.” (Holloman report by A1C Sondra Escutia)
President Donald Trump signed legislation reopening the federal government late Nov. 12, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The move sets the stage for tens of thousands of defense civilians to return to work and guarantees troops will be paid in a few days’ time.
