Airmen assigned to Kadena AB, Japan, are now able to use the base’s newly refurbished combat arms firing range. Its opening means that Kadena airmen no longer have to transfer from the 18th Security Force Squadron’s classroom on base to the Marine Corps range on Camp Hansen. “It’s definitely more convenient,” said TSgt. Andy Pape, 18th SFS noncommissioned officer in charge of combat arms. “We’re a one-stop shop now. [Airmen] come here and receive the classroom portion, go straight to the firing line, and they can return back to their unit or job site in a timely manner.” Approximately 100 airmen are expected to pass through the range each week for weapons qualification prior to deployments. Over the next several months, workers will install a new ventilation system, self-sufficient weapons vault, and concrete floor to complete the renovation. (Kadena report by A1C Maeson L. Elleman)
U.S. Northern Command and multiple research organizations just wrapped up a joint, three-year experiment to test new radar technology that could enable the Northern Warning System to detect incoming threats at longer ranges across Alaska and northern Canada.