Load, Unload, Reload, then Repeat: Members of the 58th Airlift Squadron at Altus AFB, Okla., practiced quick response to an earthquake-type humanitarian disaster, airlifting the Army’s Rapid Response Package on a C-17 from Altus. The 97th Operations Support Squadron loaded 12 Army vehicles and six equipment trailers that were rolled off and set up at Ft. Sill, Okla., before repacking aboard the aircraft. “We are verifying a capability with an Army unit that is preparing to stand by to support humanitarian relief efforts, and this is our verification that we can support what their requirements are,” said Capt. Andrew Patrick, 58th AS pilot. “Quick planning is essential. . . . The first three days are critical windows to get food and water to people and get them medical attention,” he added. Fifty soldiers of the 168th Brigade Support Battalion embarked, set up, and reloaded five times during the drill, conducted Aug. 30. (Altus report by SSgt. Marianne Lane)
The Space Development Agency says it’s on track to issue its next batch of missile warning and tracking satellite contracts this month after those awards were delayed by the Pentagon’s decision to divert funds from the agency to pay troops during this fall’s prolonged government shutdown.
