The RC-135V/W Rivet Joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance fleet recently surpassed three years continuous Pacific deployment at Kadena AB, Japan, officials announced. Given both China and Russia’s increasing antagonistic activities in the region “the operations tempo and demand for ISR … has increased dramatically over the past three years,” 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Beau Nicewanner, said in a Nov. 9 release. The 82nd RS, deployed from Offutt AFB, Neb., has logged some 400 sorties, totaling 3,400 flying hours over the course of 19 deployment rotations. Specialized RC-135U Combat Sent, WC-135W Constant Phoenix, and RC-135S Cobra Ball from Offutt added more than 300 additional sorties totaling more than 2,600 flight hours over the past two years alone, according to the release. “On any given day, we are flying missions in the Pacific, covering the map from India to Alaska. These missions support our nation’s nuclear interests, ensure freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, and support counterterrorism efforts,” added Nicewanner. The 82nd RS and systems operators, analysts, and technicians of the 390th Intelligence Squadron marked the milestone on Sept. 26.
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.