Operation Eagle Thrust, the largest and longest airlift of troops and cargo directly into a combat zone from the U.S. to Southeast Asia, begins by C-141 and C-133 aircraft. During the operation, 10,355 paratroopers and 5,118 tons of equipment are airlifted to the combat zone in record time.
The Air Force is searching for a new “ground-based launcher” as it ramps up its air base defense capabilities to counter enemy attacks from the sky.