August 31, 2004

Aug. 31, 2004

The 63rd and last Atlas II booster launches from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla. Lockheed Martin notes a sustained perfect launch record since 1991.

Pentagon’s New Counter-Drone Task Force to Arm Future ACE Airmen

Oct. 14, 2025

The Pentagon’s new counter-drone task force will play a direct role in arming Airmen with new weapons to defend Air Force agile combat employment, or ACE, air bases in austere locations against enemy drone attacks, the director of Joint Interagency Task Force 401 said Oct. 14.

DOD Canceled the Air Force’s $1.4B ‘Cloud One’ Contract. Did it Save Any Money?

Oct. 14, 2025

When Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth canceled the Air Force’s Cloud One Next contract earlier this year, he declared it would save taxpayers $1.4 billion—the maximum billings under the contract. But current and former Air Force personnel who are familiar with Cloud One say it’s not as simple as that.

Hegseth Wants Basic to Go Old School. What Policies Must Change First?

Oct. 14, 2025

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's recent direction that the military services return to a more old-school approach to basic training—with instructors "tossing bunks" and "putting their hands on recruits”—will likely require the Air Force to rewrite policies for military training instructors it has modified over time to cut down on such…

CMSAF Flosi Says He Will Retire

Oct. 14, 2025

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David A. Flosi is retiring following the unexpected death of his wife Katy last month, he announced in an email to the force Oct. 13.

Wilsbach Pledges Tight Coordination with Navy on AMRAAM and JATM Missile Buys

Oct. 13, 2025

Air Force Chief of Staff nominee Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach said he'll give special attention to coordinating with the Navy on buys of new weapons.

First Flight of Anduril CCA Likely Delayed by Government Shutdown

Oct. 13, 2025

 The first flight of the Air Force’s YFQ-44 collaborative combat aircraft, which is being developed by Anduril Industries, will likely be delayed because of the ongoing government shutdown, the company’s founder said.

What to Watch as Senate, House Start Crafting Conference 2026 NDAA

Oct. 10, 2025

The Senate passed its version of the 2026 National Defense Authorization bill late Oct. 9 with new language restricting retirements for B-1 bombers and E-3 AWACS. Now lawmakers from the House and Senate must set about resolving the differences between their two bills, which could lead to significant changes for…

Wilsbach: Fewer PCS Moves Would Boost Air Force Retention

Oct. 10, 2025

Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach, nominee to be the next Air Force Chief of Staff, voiced support for reducing the number of PCS moves Airmen and their families have to make, arguing it could improve retention.

Wilsbach: F-15EX Delayed by Strike; Fourth-Gen Fighters Still Bring Value

Oct. 9, 2025

Strikes at Boeing will delay deliveries of the F-15EX, Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach said before his Oct. 9 confirmation hearing. He also referred several times to the jet carrying hypersonic missiles and "very long range" weapons, indicating a rising mission for the jet.

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