The government of the Netherlands announced Friday that it will continue to participate in the fight against ISIS up to 2017. Since 2014, Dutch forces have provided military training in Iraq, including preparations for the liberation of Mosul and force protection for Belgian F-16s involved in the campaign. The government also announced that it would send a tanker aircraft and a navy vessel to join the effort. The unidentified tanker will assist with in-flight fighter jet refueling and the HNLMS Rotterdam will be stationed near Libya to train the Libyan coast guard in their efforts to police human trafficking and monitor refugees.
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…