Air Force Space Command is implementing a program to distribute smart phones and electronic tablets to improve the operational capabilities of airmen across the force and the real-time functionality of service executives, announced command officials. The first stage of this effort involves delivering some 10,000 mobile devices, states AFSPC’s Feb. 19 release. “Our approach allows personnel to use the Apple operating system and Android tools to access email, calendar, contacts, documents, and certain applications in accordance with [Defense Department] guidelines for mobile device security,” said Brig. Gen. Kevin Wooton, AFSPC’s communications and information director. Under this approach, official data are encrypted and kept within a secure “container” at all times, states the release. At the same time, personnel may use Air Force-approved personal applications such as Facebook and Twitter outside of this container, thereby maintaining the separation between official and personal data, according to the release. “We’re aiming for increasing productivity and effectiveness through a secure information technology infrastructure,” said Maj. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot, commander of 24th Air Force, the service’s cyber operations arm.
Seven F-22 Raptor pilots have recently been awarded one of the military’s highest decorations for their actions during operations in the Middle East. Six of the pilots were decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for their role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.