The 49th Fighter Wing at Holloman AFB, N.M., on June 25 became the 49th Wing during a redesignation ceremony at the desert base. “Because this wing now supports multiple missions, today we will officially change your designation from a fighter wing to a wing—one with a wide-range of important and global missions,” said Lt. Gen. Glenn Spears, head of 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern), who presided over the ceremony. In addition to operating F-22s, the base is now home to a remotely piloted aircraft schoolhouse, and more than 20 associate units performing in engineering, medical, test, and other training roles. At some point, Holloman might host F-35 strike fighters for training. Also on June 25, there was a change-of-command ceremony for the wing. (Holloman report by A1C Sondra Escutia) (For history of the 49th FW, see Holloman report by Arlan Ponder.)
The top Air Force commander on on the Japanese island of Okinawa has clamped down alcohol and issued a curfew for junior enlisted Airmen and Guardians at Kadena Air Base for the next month. The order came roughly two weeks after a U.S. Marine was arrested for allegedly robbing and…