The last T-37 Tweet training sortie has been flown at Sheppard AFB, Tex., home to the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program. The Air Force formally retired the Tweet from its specialized undergraduate pilot training program last spring, after SUPT bases transitioned to the new T-6 Texan II. The 80th Flying Training Wing, which runs the ENJJPT at Sheppard, conducted its last Tweet sortie on June 17. Col. David Petersen, wing commander, said of the T-37, “it’s been a good trainer for 50 years; right up to the end, it’s been a good aircraft.” The 80th FTW began training new pilots with the T-6 in August 2008. (Sheppard report by John Ingle)
The U.S. military is sending more fighter jets to the Middle East to step up its war with Iran, adding to what is already the largest buildup of airpower in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. For now, the operation shows little sign of coming to a quick…