Tonight Show host Jay Leno was on hand for the recent grand opening of Air Force Reserve’s new recruiting station in Wasilla, Alaska. He then watched Maj. Gen. Frank Padilla, 10th Air Force commander, lead 13 Alaskans through the oath of enlistment. These new Reservists will be part of Air Force Reserve Command’s 477th Fighter Group that stood up in 2007 at Joint Base Elmendorf to help operate the base’s two F-22 squadrons with the active duty 3rd Wing. “I come from a town a lot smaller than this and this is really what America is all about,” said Leno. He thanked the recruits for stepping up to serve. Col. Eric Overturf, 477th FG commander, said it is nice now “to have a place to get to see and talk to and recruit people.” (Elmendorf report by Luke Waack)
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.