August 14, 1944

August 14, 1944

Aug. 14, 1944

AAF Capt. Robin Olds records his first victory while flying with the 434th Fighter Squadron in the ETO. He would go on to tally 11 more victories by July 4, 1945. His next aerial victory would come on Jan. 2, 1967, during the Vietnam War, making him the only American ace to record victories in nonconsecutive wars.

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.

Air Force’s Anticipated William Tell Weapons Meet Postponed

Feb. 6, 2026

A few weeks after the Air Force announced its prestigious William Tell Air-to-Air Weapons Meet would return in March, the service has decided to postpone the event to later this year, according to Air Combat Command.

Raytheon to Radically Boost Production of Air Force’s Main Dogfighting Missile

Feb. 5, 2026

Raytheon, a division of defense giant RTX, recently announced a multiyear deal with the Pentagon to increase annual production of the Air Force’s primary dogfighting missile by more than 50 percent from two years ago.

Pentagon’s Commercial Tech Hub on the Hunt for Missile Tracking Sensors, Satellite Disposal

Feb. 5, 2026

The Defense Innovation Unit, the Pentagon’s commercial technology hub, plans to demonstrate low-cost, commercially derived missile defense sensors on orbit within the next two years, according to a new notice to industry.

Air Force Looking for Used Airliner to Expand C-40 VIP Transport Fleet

Feb. 5, 2026

The Air Force has kicked off its search for a used airliner it can convert into a new C-40 VIP airlifter. Congress added $250 million to the 2026 budget for the effort.

US Launches Renewed Strikes Against ISIS in Syria

Feb. 5, 2026

U.S. aircraft, drones, and attack helicopters have launched significant airstrikes in recent days against Islamic State militants in Syria as part of the renewed air campaign against remnants of the group, U.S. officials said.

Air Force Aims to Build ‘Airmindedness’ at New BMT

Feb. 4, 2026

Air Force Basic Military Training leaders say changes implemented as part of BMT 2.0 are generating positive results so far—especially when it comes to creating “airminded” new Airmen.

USAF to Security Forces Airmen: Sharpen Up Your Greetings

Feb. 4, 2026

Senior Air Force leaders have a message for security forces Airmen: Set a better example. “To security forces: you are expected to set the example by upholding standards and enforcing rules with integrity," states a Jan. 30 memo from Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach and Chief Master Sergeant…

New Report: Air Force Needs 200 B-21s, 300 F-47s to Deny Enemy ‘Sanctuaries’

Feb. 4, 2026

In order to deny China “sanctuaries” from which it can launch air and missile salvos during a potential invasion of Taiwan, the U.S. Air Force needs to buy far more B-21 bombers and F-47 fighters than currently planned, according to a new report from AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.

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