December 04, 1996

Dec. 4, 1996

The Mars Pathfinder, the first spacecraft designed to land and explore Mars in nearly 21 years, is launched from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., aboard a McDonnell Douglas Delta II rocket. It is expected to arrive on Mars on July 4, 1997.

‘Here’s the Story’: How an Airman Lied to Cover Up M18 Shooting

Nov. 1, 2025

Airman 1st Class Marcus White-Allen concocted a story to cover up that he fired his M18 9mm pistol into Airman Braden Lovan’s chest killing him on July 20, two Airmen from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, WY testified during separate courts martial proceedings on Oct. 30-31.

Lawmakers: Secret JATM Missile Not Delayed by Shutdown After All

Oct. 31, 2025

The ongoing government shutdown has not slowed progress on the Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, a congressional official said, correcting a previous statement from lawmakers about the secretive program.

Anduril’s CCA Makes First Flight; YFQ-44A Flies Semi-Autonomously

Oct. 31, 2025

Anduril Industries’ YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft took to the sky Oct. 31, the Air Force announced. The service also confirmed that a production decision on the CCA program is still expected in fiscal 2026, despite the ongoing government shutdown.

Northrop Ready to Start Production on New F-16 EW Suite; First Units Going to Middle East

Oct. 31, 2025

Northrop Grumman is gearing up to produce the Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite, or IVEWS, which will provide the modern electronic warfare protection the fighter has long needed, officials say.

STRATCOM Nominee Wants More B-21s, Deflects Questions on US Resumption of Nuclear Tests

Oct. 30, 2025

The nominee to become the next head of U.S. Strategic Command, Vice Adm. Richard Correll, endorsed the production of more than 100 B-21 bombers, echoing his predecessor Gen. Anthony Cotton's view.

Air Base Defense Is Our Duty. It’s Been Ignored Too Long

Oct. 30, 2025

Here is an axiom that may be regarded as Rule 1 for the military way of life: All officers must defend the lives and resources entrusted to them against hostile attack. For civilians, Rule 1 equates to “the right to...

Wilsbach Confirmed as Air Force Chief

Oct. 30, 2025

Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach was confirmed as the 24th Air Force Chief of Staff Oct. 30 by unanimous consent. Shortly before, his predecessor, Gen. David W. Allvin, was "clapped" out of the Pentagon, 10 weeks after he unexpectedly announced his retirement on Aug. 18, two years into his four-year term.

End the Standoff, Pay the Troops

Oct. 30, 2025

The government shutdown is putting politics ahead of the needs of the nation, and those entrusted to defend it.

Colorado Sues to Stop SPACECOM Move

Oct. 30, 2025

Colorado’s attorney general is suing the Trump administration in an effort to block the President’s decision to relocate U.S. Space Command headquarters from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, Ala.

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