Members of 13th Air Force’s analyses, assessments, and lessons learned directorate at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, are the Air Force’s Lessons Learned Outstanding Team of the Year for 2009. The group was recognized at an awards ceremony in late October in San Antonio for its work to improve Air Force operations at all levels by incorporating the experiences of individual airmen engaged in organizational changes in the Pacific theater. “Regardless of how successful a mission is, there is always something to be learned and captured for future missions,” said John Trifonovitch, who heads the winning directorate. He said the lessons learned also impact the joint community to help ensure that “we thrive as a team.” (Hickam Nov. 24 report by TSgt. Kerry Jackson)
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…