Officials at Ramstein AB, Germany, are preparing to inactivate the 38th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in September. The small-sized C-130H unit, made up of airmen from the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, has operated with Ramstein’s active duty 86th Airlift Wing since 1994, helping to reduce the strain on the latter in missions in Europe, Southwest Asia, and now Africa. It is commonly known as the “Delta Squadron.” Maj. Gary Dodge, 38th EAS commander, said the relationship has given the reserve airmen “valuable experience flying in Europe and Africa, something they cannot get stateside.” Since 2005, the 38th EAS has logged more than 14,000 flying hours, carrying nearly 13,500 tons of cargo. Airmen from Air Force Reserve Command’s 910th AW at Youngstown ARS, Ohio, currently comprise most of the unit. (Ramstein report by A1C Ciara M. Travis)
Depot-level maintenance took longer than expected for nearly three-quarters of Air Force aircraft from fiscal 2019-2024, according to a new report, as unplanned repairs rise across the aging fleet. The report, from the Government Accountability Office, also found that the extent of the delays has been masked because officials often revise their target timelines after unplanned work occurs.