Stealth was a gamble 50 years ago. It’s still a good bet. S tealth technology has given the U.S. military an air of near invincibility for the past 35 years. Overwhelmingly successful in the 1991 Gulf War, and heavily refined...
September/October 2025
Vol. 108, No. 9
Growing up, Troy Meink wanted to be a pilot, then an astronaut. He joined the Air Force, but his eyesight wasn't up to pilot standards, and the pilot dream was dashed. He began as a navigator, shifted into acquisition and space. He built airplanes in his garage and spent the better part of two decades buying, operating, and developing space systems. Not surprisingly, this new Secretary of the Air Force is enjoying the heck out of his new role.
How the U.S. can counter China’s size and other advantages. Decades of force cuts and deferred modernization have left the U.S. Air Force unable to simultaneously deter nuclear attacks, defend the U.S. homeland, and defeat Chinese aggression at acceptable levels...
Airmen Injured On Duty—Why Isn’t the Air Force Paying?
Receiving disability compensation has become a complicated process. Capt. Cody Kirlin was deployed to Guam in 2019 when he woke one morning with severe neck pain. Examinations revealed the Louisiana Air National Guard F-15 pilot had two herniated discs in...
‘Prepare to Abandon the Aircraft!’
Inside a Vietnam War aircrew’s shootdown and the fight to honor their courage. The 10 Airmen of Stinger 41 knew the risks of flying their AC-119K gunship in daylight over enemy anti-aircraft gunners—a rare mission for an aircraft designed for...
Editorial: A Letter to the Next CSAF
Dear Chief, Congratulations on your selection. Just two dozen men have survived the culling to become Chief of Staff. Over the years I’ve interviewed 13 of them, plus perhaps two dozen other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Here’s...
Strategy & Policy: A New Bomber Era Arrives
When the U.S. attacked Iran’s nuclear development facilities in June, more than 130 fighters played a crucial supporting role. But the seven B-2 stealth bombers—flying direct from the U.S. heartland—were indisputably the heart of the operation, each delivering two monster...
WORLD: DAF
Allvin’s Retirement Casts Shadow on ‘Re-Optimization’ With his Aug. 18 announcement that he would retire this fall, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin ended months of speculation about his future and marked his tenure as among the shortest...
WORLD: Air
Spain Takes Charge at ACC By Chris Gordon Gen. Adrian L. Spain succeeded Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach Aug. 11, marking his ascension to the four-star ranks at one of the Air Force’s largest and most far-reaching commands. In a ceremony...
WORLD: Personnel
Were Vets Exposed to Toxins on Nevada Test and Training Range? By Rachel S. Cohen In 1983, Dave Crete graduated from technical school bound for one of the Air Force’s most unusual postings for security forces Airmen: the Nevada Test and...
WORLD: Space
Space Force Reinvents Part Time: Not Your Dad’s Guard & Reserve By Greg Hadley The Space Force revealed new details about its plan for part-time Guardians—and they aren’t like anything the military has seen before. Part-time service will be episodic, lasting...
WORLD: Technology
Long-Range Drones Target Battlefield Delivery By Greg Hadley A new startup has a contract with the Air Force’s innovation arm and a prototype to test its new concept: a network of “flying pickup truck” drones to solve the problem of...
WORLD: History
Last Hurrah for the Storied U-2 By John A. Tirpak A year away from its likely retirement—and 70 years to the day after the first U-2 flight—a two-seat version of the Dragon Lady from the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale...
Letters
We love letters! Write to us at letters@afa.org. To be published, letters should be timely, relevant and concise. Include your name and location. Letters may be edited for space and the editors have final say on which are published. Rare...
Verbatim
Thank You For Your Service I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as the 23rd Air Force Chief of Staff and I’m thankful for Secretary Meink, Secretary Hegseth and President Trump’s faith in me to lead our service. … More...
Outstanding Airmen of the Year
The Outstanding Airman Program annually recognizes 12 enlisted members for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement, and personal achievements. The Air Force Association drove the creation of the Outstanding Airmen of the Year program, which debuted at AFA’s 10th annual convention in...
Faces of the Force
Tell us who you think we should highlight here. Write to letters@afa.org Flooding from persistent July thunderstorms devastated the communities of Mescalero and Ruidoso, N.M., leading more than 90 Airmen from the 29th Attack Squadron and 7th Air Support Operations...
AFA IN ACTION: AFA Announces Ashlie Smith as 2025 Teacher of the Year
The Air & Space Forces Association, in partnership with Rolls-Royce, announces the 2025 national winners of the Thompson-Mallett National Teacher of the Year award, recognizing three extraordinary educators for their innovative work in aerospace-focused STEM education. First Place: Ashlie Smith...
AFA IN ACTION: AFA’s Doolittle Leadership Center Launches New Podcast: ‘Building Better Leaders’
Arlington, Va. The Air & Space Forces Association’s Doolittle Leadership Center (DLC) has announced the launch of “Building Better Leaders,” a podcast featuring candid conversations with leaders from diverse industries, professions, and backgrounds. The podcast is designed for anyone...
Heroes and leaders: William H. Tunner
“Willie the Whip” revolutionized airlift transport. Bill Tunner was an airlift genius who was formative in shaping America’s worldwide power projection capability. Airlift may not always be glamorous, but it is usually essential in achieving the nation’s political objectives. ...
