As the drawdown of US combat forces in Iraq continues, airmen with the 732nd Expeditionary Support Squadron at Joint Base Balad are helping to process vast quantities of military equipment bound for refurbishment in the United States or being sent to military locations of higher priority like Afghanistan. “The airmen and soldiers here are scheduled to redeploy $17 billion in equipment over a six-month deployment,” said CMSgt. Barry Schulhofer, 732nd ESS chief enlisted manager. He noted that the next rotation of personnel “is scheduled to do even more.” Items range in size from hand-held laser pointers to mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles. “Without an RPAT, there is a greater likelihood of items being misplaced, lost, or left in the enemy’s hands,” said Capt. Christine Carr, 732nd ESS RPAT officer in charge. (Balad report by SSgt. Phillip Butterfield)
Meink: Air Force Has Five More E-7s Under Contract
April 30, 2026
The Air Force has contracts in place for five additional E-7A Wedgetail airborne battle management aircraft, Secretary Troy Meink told lawmakers April 30. Meink also said the Department of the Air Force wants to work with Congress to find ways to continue to fund the E-7 next year and beyond,…