The 71st Fighter Squadron completed its final deployment in late May when members of the unit and their F-15s returned home to Langley AFB, Va., after a two-week stay at Tyndall AFB, Fla. The squadron had participated in weapon system evaluation activities while in Florida. The unit is one of the Air Force’s squadrons that will be deactivated in the fall as part of a drawdown of legacy fighter assets. Lt. Col. Joel Cook, 71st FS boss, said the unit’s maintenance support during the stint at Tyndall “was the best I’ve ever seen in my 17 years of service.” (Langley photo caption by SSgt. Barry Loo)
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
