Members of the Hawaii Air National Guard’s 154th Wing last month returned home to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam from the Philippines after a week of exchange with Philippine airmen on air defense and command and control issues, according to a wing release. The airmen from the 109th Air Operation Group and the 169th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron traveled to Col. Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City for meetings with their Philippine counterparts from Aug. 19 to Aug. 23, states the Aug. 30 release. The guests and hosts took turns giving briefings and sharing expertise on topics like C2, identification, surveillance, tactics, weapons, and the role of the air operations center. This trip took place under the auspices of the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program. (Manila report by SMSgt. Kristen Stanley) (See also US Eyes Increased Rotational Presence in Philippines.)
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.