The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has designated Hanscom AFB, Mass., as a Voluntary Protection Program Star certified site. It is the first such certification for an active duty Air Force installation. (The Minnesota Air National Guard’s 148th Fighter Wing received an OSHA VPP Star in 2008.) OSHA inspectors reviewed Hanscom’s program in May, including site visits and discussions with employees. “The commitment on behalf of management and employees to VPP was outstanding,” said Bob Sands, OSHA’s Region 1 VPP manager. (Hanscom report by Rhonda Siciliano)
A-10 Thunderbolt II attack planes in the Middle East are flying with fresh modifications as the Air Force looks to make the plane more versatile amid America’s ongoing blockade of Iranian ports and a tenuous ceasefire in the U.S. air war against Iran.