Capt. Michael Eastman and his C-5 transport crew are the first US airmen to land at Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan, in the Soviet Union. They deliver sensitive verification equipment for monitoring nuclear tests under existing international agreements. Eastman and crew receive the 1988 Mackay Trophy.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.