A contingent of more than 100 airmen and four KC-135s from the 22nd Airlift Wing at McConnell AFB, Kan., participated in a first-of-its-kind forward-deployment drill during a nuclear operational readiness exercise. These assets moved to Grand Forks AFB, N.D., for four days earlier this month to see how well they could support the B-52H bombers there tasked with executing the nuclear mission. “Because of limited resources in the past, we just didn’t take the time and resources to [forward deploy],” said Lt. Col. Scott Thatcher, commander of McConnell’s 350th Air Refueling Squadron. He continued, “[N]ow that we’re refocusing and reinvigorating the nuclear enterprise, we think it’s important to exercise it and be ready if we’re tasked with a mission.” In addition to aircrew and maintainers, the wing sent some of its security forces, supply personnel, and petroleum and lubricant specialists to Grand Forks. (McConnell report by SrA. Abigail Klein)
Airman 1st Class Marcus White-Allen concocted a story to cover up that he fired his M18 9mm pistol into Airman Braden Lovan’s chest killing him on July 20, two Airmen from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, WY testified during separate courts martial proceedings on Oct. 30-31.
