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 Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…