Chris Gordon
Chris Gordon is the Pentagon Editor at Air & Space Forces Magazine.
Chris has broad experience in journalism and communications, and developed a keen interest in defense policy and aerospace during his time on Capitol Hill where he worked with the Senate Armed Services Committee. As a reporter, Chris has covered everything from national security to hockey for a variety of publications, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Chris has reported from hotspots around the world, such as Ukraine and the Middle East. His award-winning work at Air & Space Forces Magazine focuses on U.S. military operations, national security policy, and senior Department of Defense leadership.
Chris is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Military Reporters & Editors, a nonprofit organization for journalists covering the military, national security, and homeland defense.
Chris can be contacted at CGordon@afa.org or chrisgordon.24 on Signal.
Recent stories by Chris Gordon
New Paint Scheme for Air Force One, VIP Transport Fleet Revealed
The next “Air Force One” presidential aircraft and other planes in the Air Force’s VIP transport fleet will soon have a new paint scheme—one preferred by President Trump and similar to the one painted on the president’s personal 757 aircraft.
US Amasses More Airpower in Middle East with Dozens of Fighters
The U.S. continued to move a significant amount of airpower toward the Middle East in recent days as talks to forge a nuclear deal with Iran hung in the balance. Flight tracking data indicate there was unusually heavy movement of dozens of fighter jets and ...
Pentagon to Restock Massive Ordnance Penetrator Bombs Dropped by B-2s on Iran
The U.S. military is moving to restock its supply of the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bunker-busting bombs it used against Iran's underground nuclear facilities last June, according to Air Force documents.
Space Force, Aiming to Double in Size, Blows Past Recruiting Goal
To meet growing demand for national security space capabilities, the Space Force's top enlisted leader says it needs to double in size. The Space Force has already surpassed its recruiting goals for fiscal 2026.
F-35s Flying Toward Middle East as Trump Presses Iran for Nuclear Deal
U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter jets were observed flying toward the Middle East on Feb. 11, the latest step in the U.S. military buildup in the region as the Trump administration weighs possible strikes on Iran.
F-35s Deploy Closer to Middle East After US Talks with Iran
More stealthy U.S. fighter jets moved closer to the Middle East on Feb. 9, with a half dozen F–35A Lightning II fifth-generation planes landing at RAF Lakenheath, U.K., after crossing the Atlantic, flight tracking data and air traffic control communications show.
US Launches Renewed Strikes Against ISIS in Syria
U.S. aircraft, drones, and attack helicopters have launched significant airstrikes in recent days against Islamic State militants in Syria as part of the renewed air campaign against remnants of the group, U.S. officials said.
US F-35 Shoots Down Iranian Drone near Aircraft Carrier; F-16s Escort Threatened Tanker
A U.S. F-35C shot down an Iranian drone operating near the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier Feb. 3 in a dramatic incident that American military officials cautioned could lead to conflict amid heightened tensions between Iran and the U.S.
Military Operations: Airpower and Absolute Resolve
How the Air Force Cleared the Way for Delta Force. The daring raid on Caracas, Venezuela, to snatch and grab Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro may have been characterized by Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a law enforcement operation, but...
Next Up in Pentagon’s Push for Defense Industry Reforms: Space
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth exhorted the U.S. space industry to step up its efforts in a forceful Feb. 2 speech in which he called for a new era of American “space dominance."
US Moves Airpower Toward Middle East as Trump Weighs Strike on Iran
The U.S. continued to position significant military assets closer to the Middle East as the Trump administration weighs whether to strike Iran.
Air Force One Diverts Over Atlantic, Forcing Switch to Backup Jet
The Air Force One jet carrying President Donald Trump to a high-stakes summit in Switzerland diverted over the Atlantic late Jan. 20 and returned to Joint Base Andrews due to an issue with the Boeing VC-25 aircraft, temporarily delaying his trip to Europe and forcing ...
Pentagon Sends More F-15s to Middle East as Trump Weighs Action Against Iran
The Pentagon rushed more F-15E Strike Eagles to the Middle East in recent days as the U.S. military is reinforcing its airpower in the region amid high tensions with Iran.
US, Japanese Defense Chiefs Vow to Strength Alliance; USFJ Changes Proceed
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi met U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Jan. 15 as the two nations look to further solidify their ties in the face of growing Chinese and North Korean threats.
US Evacuates Personnel from Al Udeid Air Base as Trump Weighs Military Action Against Iran
Some U.S. personnel are evacuating Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, America’s main military base in the Middle East, as President Donald Trump is weighing military action against Iran in response to its crackdown on protestors, people familiar with the matter told Air & Space ...
