In a new Letter to Airmen, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley writes of the value of teamwork, citing the team effort that led to the award of the Air Force Cross to SSgt. Zachary Rhyner. Donley reminded airmen that “teamwork starts with” each individual, and he added: “By joining the Air Force, you have joined a cause greater than yourself—one where success comes from collective efforts.” He continued, “Daily, you build on a rich legacy of Americans who pooled their talent to change the world.” (June 18 Letter to Airmen)
As the threat of Iranian-made drones grew, the Air Force rushed last year to equip F-15E Strike Eagles in the Middle East with a cheap, cost-effective way of defeating them. The service fielded the new capability in roughly a week.
