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
Air Force Recruits Most New Airmen Since 2004, Making Goal Early
The Air Force achieved its goal of recruiting 32,750 Active-Duty enlisted Airmen for 2026 five months ahead of schedule, military officials said this week—its biggest recruiting year in more than two decades.
Air Force, Navy Fighters Patrolling for Threats During US Blockade of Iran
U.S. Air Force and Navy fighter jets are playing a prominent role in patrolling for threats as part of the U.S. naval blockade of Iran, people familiar with the matter told Air & Space Forces Magazine.
100-Plus Aircraft Join US Military Blockade of Iran
The U.S. military’s naval blockade of Iran is relying on a significant amount of airpower to surveil the seas and protect maritime assets.
F-15E Aviator Missing in Iran Rescued by US Forces
The second crew member of the Air Force F-15E shot down April 3 has been rescued from Iran. U.S. forces recovered the aviator alive and all American forces involved in the operation are believed to be safe, U.S. officials told Air & Space Forces Magazine.
F-15E Downed over Iran, A-10 Crashes in Region
A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Iran, sparking a massive combat search and rescue effort April 3, people familiar with the matter told Air & Space Forces Magazine. Meanwhile, a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft was also ...
B-52s Carrying JDAMs over Iran as US Bombers Play Growing Role in Air War
B-52 Stratofortress bombers marked a new first in Operation Epic Fury when some of the BUFFs flew over Iran carrying JDAM-guided gravity bombs, according to people familiar with the matter. The development signals a weakening of Iranian air defenses and a new use for the ...
F-35 from Nellis Air Force Base Crashes in Nevada
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighter from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., crashed in the sprawling training complex surrounding the base, service officials said March 31. The pilot suffered minor injuries and is being treated after ejecting from the aircraft.
Nation’s Top Airmen Honor Bud Anderson as Legendary WWII Triple Ace Buried at Arlington
Brig. Gen. Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson, the last surviving triple ace from World War II, was honored one last time by the nation's top Airmen when he was buried here with full military honors March 30.
A-10 Fleet in Middle East Poised to Double as Jets Cross the Atlantic
The U.S. military is poised to double its A-10 presence in the Middle East, as the venerable close air support plane plays a key role in combating Iranian boats and Iranian-backed militias in Iraq as part of Operation Epic Fury against Iran.
Life or Death Over Yemen
How two F-16 pilots survived a Houthi SAMbush. About 15 seconds separated F-16 “Wild Weasel” pilots Lt. Col. William “Skate” Parks and Maj. Michael “Danger” Blea from life or death in the night skies over Yemen. Along with multiple B-2...
WORLD: Epic Fury
Early Lessons of Epic Fury USAF, USSF Lead in Biggest Air Campaign Since 2003. With contributions from Courtney Albon, Matt Cox, Stephen Losey, and Todd South W hen the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against hundreds of targets in Iran...
Key E-3 AWACS Damaged in Iranian Attack on Saudi Air Base
An important U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry AWACS command and control plane was among the aircraft damaged in a March 27 Iranian missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, people familiar with the matter told Air & Space Forces Magazine.
US Forces at Saudi Air Base Suffer Iranian Attack
Multiple American service members were wounded and some aircraft were damaged in a March 27 Iranian attack on Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, people familiar with the matter told Air & Space Forces Magazine.
More B-1s Arrive in UK, as Bomber Force for Iran Ops Nears Two Dozen
Three additional B-1B Lancers arrived at RAF Fairford on March 26, bringing the total number of bombers stationed at the U.K. base to 21—one of the largest bomber deployments in recent history.
Look Inside Anduril’s New Factory as Collaborative Combat Aircraft Production Begins
Anduril Industries has begun production of its YFQ-44A “Fury” Collaborative Combat Aircraft drone at its Arsenal-1 plant outside of Columbus, Ohio.
