Brig. Gen. Abdul Wahab Wardak, the Afghan National Army Air Corps Chief of Staff, following a visit to Bagram Airfield to see USAF combat and support operations in action, acknowledged the ongoing effort to “rebuild this country, to stabilize this country, and bring solidarity to the country.” He added, “The American troops are here and they are losing blood for the Afghan people and we appreciate them.” Host for the visit, Brig. Gen. Steven Kwast, 455th Expeditionary Wing commander, said, “We’re not here to tell them how to run their operations, we’re here to show them how we run ours and maybe, in discussions, we can all learn some new things.” A key part of the visit included a look at USAF cargo and passenger movement procedures to aid the Afghan airmen in setting up their C-27A Spartan operations. (Bagram report by Capt. David Faggard)
Air Force Academy Leaders Ousted in Shake Up
Feb. 6, 2026
The U.S. Air Force Academy is getting a leadership refresh after a tumultuous year, with Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind and Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks both set to retire this year and Col. James Valpiani set to come on as the new Dean of the Faculty.

