Bearing 
a five-foot broadsword, the enlisted corps of the US Air Force Academy nominated Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, academy superintendent, for induction into the Order of the Sword. “This morning, we’re going to do what enlisted people do best, and that’s take care of our leaders,” said CMSgt. Todd Salzman, academy command chief, in announcing the nomination in a surprise ceremony on Tuesday. Gould “has a passion for the enlisted corps and has for a long, long time,” added Salzman. Gould thanked the enlisted force gathered for the occasion. “Speechless is not even the word. You impress me so much, all of you. I don’t know what to tell you other than thank you,” he said. Gould’s induction ceremony is scheduled for March 19. The order is the highest honor that USAF’s enlisted force may bestow upon an individual. (Colorado Springs report by Don Branum)
Depot-level maintenance took longer than expected for nearly three-quarters of Air Force aircraft from fiscal 2019-2024, according to a new report, as unplanned repairs rise across the aging fleet. The report, from the Government Accountability Office, also found that the extent of the delays has been masked because officials often revise their target timelines after unplanned work occurs.