The Air Force and Boeing have completed on-orbit check out of the seventh Global Positioning System IIF satellite, according to an Oct. 13 company release. The satellite, which launched on Aug. 1, was declared healthy in its final orbital location Sept. 17 and is providing accurate positioning, navigation, and timing data, states the release. “Handover to the 50th Space Wing is a huge milestone in a GPS satellite’s journey, confirming that it’s been put through its paces and all looks good,” said Dan Hart, vice president of Government Space Systems for Boeing Network & Space Systems. “A transfer as seamless as this one is even more satisfying for our Boeing GPS IIF team.” Boeing has delivered 45 of the 67 GPS satellites to the Air Force, states the release.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.