Airmen at Kadena AB, Japan, rededicated the base’s Erwin Professional Military Education Center in its newly upgraded facility. The modernized building features a new library and improved offices and classrooms. It is the result of a construction project of more than two years. “I believe anytime you have a great work environment, you perform better,” said CMSgt. James Laurent, center commandant. “We have the newest and, in my opinion, best school in the Air Force.” Presiding over the Dec. 16 ceremony was Lt. Gen. Jeff Remington, 7th Air Force commander. “We started the funding and discussion for [the] building in 2002, so it was a real thrill and honor to see it come to a conclusion,” said Remington, who led Kadena’s 18th Wing from 2002 to 2004. The Erwin Center, designed for the professional development of noncommissioned officers, is named in honor of SSgt. Henry Erwin, a World War II Medal of Honor recipient. (Kadena report by A1C Maeson L. Elleman)
A semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft drone shot down an air-to-air target in a Dec. 8 test supported by the U.S. Air Force, a notable milestone in the development of the loyal wingman-type drones that will join the fleets of the USAF, other American services, and allies and adversaries.
