Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and CMSAF James Roy traveled to Southwest Asia last week to meet with airmen and get updates from the combat theater. Both praised the deployed airmen for their contributions in Afghanistan and Iraq, including those serving in ground roles not traditionally associated with airmen. “We often hear that the other services want our airmen because we know how to get things done,” Schwartz said during his June 22 stop with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing at an undisclosed air base. Roy echoed similar sentiments during his visit with the 455th AEW at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, June 24-25. “As I talk with the joint leadership team here, they couldn’t be more proud of our airmen. They absolutely see and appreciate the capability provided by [them],” (386th AEW report by SSgt. Stefanie Torres) (Bagram report by TSgt. Drew Nystrom) (Balad report by SSgt. Stacy Fowler)
The Department of the Air Force has delivered a report to Congress recommending the transfer of Air National Guard units to the Space Force, calling it “by far the most advisable” option studied—even as growing opposition from lawmakers threatens to derail the idea.