A contingent of pararescuemen and rescue support personnel left Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., for the Horn of Africa on Tuesday. The combat search and rescue airmen, assigned to the 306th Rescue Squadron, will augment Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa CSAR personnel recovery using assets already in theater, according to the base’s Jan. 14 release. “Your presence in the Horn of Africa will make a difference to those in harm’s way because they’ve got the best to back them up,” said Col. Harold Maxwell, commander of the 306th RQS’ parent 943rd Rescue Group. Air Force HC-130s, HH-60s, and Guardian Angels routinely provide US and coalition forces with personnel recovery and humanitarian aid capabilities operating out of Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
Northrop Grumman’s Talon Blue YFQ-48A Collaborative Combat Aircraft took its first flight Oct. 3, heightening the competition for the Air Force’s future combat fleet.