NORAD launched the second of two aerostat sensor platforms this week to enhance the detection of potential cruise missile threats to the National Capital Region, officials announced. The second Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense System (JLENS) aerostat was launched near Edgewood, Md., Aug. 19, as part of overall efforts to improve and modernize the NCR’s integrated air defense systems. NORAD is urgently working to enhance its ability to detect, track, and defend Washington, D.C., against cruise missile and low-flying threats. Officials sought funding earlier this year to upgrade alert F-16Cs at nearby JB Andrews, Md., with active electronically scanned array radars to better counter the threat, though no funds have yet been allocated. The first aerostat was set aloft approximately 10,000 feet over Maryland back in December 2014. NORAD is working to integrate JLENS and Aegis ships offshore to share target information and tracking data.
The top Air Force commander on on the Japanese island of Okinawa has clamped down alcohol and issued a curfew for junior enlisted Airmen and Guardians at Kadena Air Base for the next month. The order came roughly two weeks after a U.S. Marine was arrested for allegedly robbing and…