Hundreds of airmen from across US Air Forces in Europe, including those flying E-3 AWACS, F-15s, F-15Es, F-16s, and KC-135s, have been converging in Eastern Europe to support Operation Noble Endeavor, the Romanian-led effort to police the skies above the upcoming NATO summit in Bucharest. The US is augmenting the Romanian security presence at the host nation’s request during the meeting of the alliance’s leaders, including President Bush, from April 2 to 4. “This is just one example in a long list of accomplishments of NATO nations working together toward a common purpose,” said Col. Peter Davidson, commander of the 323rd Air Expeditionary Wing that is participating in operation. “There is great strength in allied interoperability, and I’m proud to be a part of this mission.” The summit agenda is expected to include the prickly issue of whether to offer membership to Georgia and Ukraine, a move that the US favors, but members like Germany oppose. (Includes USAF report by TSgt. Eric Petosky)
The first five days of Basic Military Training will change to better educate trainees on sleep hygiene, stress management, nutrition, and physical training, a move which officials hope will better prepare enlisted Airmen and Guardians for the rigors of life in service.