First USAF Aircraft Arrive in the Gulf for Operation Desert Shield

Aug. 8, 1990

A C-141 carrying Airlift Control Element lands in Dhahran, the first USAF aircraft into the crisis zone during Operation Desert Shield. F-15s from the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing, Langley AFB, Va., and elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg, N.C., arrive in Saudi Arabia. U.S. AWACS aircraft augment Saudi AWACS orbiting over Saudi Arabia.

Related

2026 NDAA: 5 Highlights for Airmen and Guardians

Dec. 18, 2025
President Donald Trump signed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act on Dec. 18, a day after Congress passed the annual defense policy bill for the 65th consecutive year. Here’s what it means for the Air Force and Space Force.

Air Force Shakes Up Acquisition Leadership

Dec. 18, 2025
The top of the Air Force's acquisition enterprise is in the midst of a major overhaul, with the Senate having confirmed a new four-star general to oversee acquisition from the Pentagon and Air Force Materiel Command getting downgraded from a four- to three-star command.

USAF Moves Up Air Force One Delivery; Acquires 2 Extra 747-8s for Parts, Training

Dec. 17, 2025
The Air Force is now expecting delivery of the first VC-25B presidential transport by mid-2028, months ahead of its last official projection, a service spokesperson said this week. USAF also announced it is buying two used Boeing 747-8 jetliners for training and spare parts to be delivered in 2026, calling the $400 million deal part of its “acceleration efforts” for the oft-delayed presidential airlift program.

Air Force: Medical Shaving Profiles Issued Before March Will Soon Be Invalid

Dec. 17, 2025
The Department of the Air Force is limiting medical shaving profiles to a maximum of six months, down from the previous limit of five years, and will soon require Airmen and Guardians with profiles issued in the last 10 months to be reevaluated as part of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s…

Billy Mitchell: Lessons a Hundred Years Hence

Dec. 16, 2025
Exactly 100 years ago, on Dec. 17, 1925, Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell was convicted by court-martial for violating an order that required approval before he could engage with the media. Mitchell’s provocative thoughts and unorthodox methods sought attention for a cause that he saw as uniquely American.