Members of the Air Force’s newest stealth force—those now or soon-to-be operating and maintaining the F-22 Raptor—gathered at Whiteman AFB, Mo., earlier this week to consult with their stealth brethren of the B-2 bomber world. At the B-2 and F-22 Integration Conference, airmen from Eglin AFB, Fla., Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, Holloman AFB, N.M., Langley AFB, Va., Nellis AFB, Nev., and Whiteman gathered to discuss how best to integrate the two stealth aircraft. Col. Thomas Bussiere, leader of the 509th Operations Group at Whiteman, said: The way of the future is low observable. And, there are no two greater platforms on the planet than the F-22 and B-2, so now is the time for us to refine our operational tactics and be ready when the phone rings to execute.” Col. James Hecker, 3rd OG boss at Elmendorf, agreed, adding that “We are also getting some insider help as far as maintenance. … We are getting lessons learned on problems that we thought were new to us [F-22 force], which just so happens to be things you [B-2 force] have been dealing with for a while.” (Whiteman report by A1C Stephen Linch)
Top Lawmakers Want 15 Percent Pay Raise for Enlisted Troops
April 19, 2024
A new law introduced by Congress would raise the pay rate 15 percent for junior enlisted troops and seek improvements on a range of quality of life issues, such as pay and compensation, child care, housing, health care access, and military spouse employment.