November 17, 2008

Nov. 17, 2008

Gen. Craig R. McKinley receives his fourth star from Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and takes charge of the National Guard Bureau. He is the first four-star general to head the NGB and the first Air Force officer since 2002.

US Strikes ISIS Targets in Retaliation for Killing American Troops in Syria

Dec. 19, 2025

The U.S. began extensive air and artillery strikes against Islamic State group targets in Syria on Dec. 19 in retaliation for the killing of three Americans on Dec. 13 by a gunman affiliated with ISIS, U.S. officials said.

Airmen Won’t Be Booted from Courses for Failed Fitness Tests During Shift to New PT

Dec. 19, 2025

Airmen won’t be sent home from enlisted professional military education schools next year for failing the course’s mandatory fitness assessment.

SDA Hands Out $3.5B for 72 New Missile Tracking and Defense Satellites

Dec. 19, 2025

The Space Force’s Space Development Agency announced $3.5 billion in contract awards to four companies to build a total of 72 missile warning and tracking satellites—the largest deal to date for its low-Earth orbit constellation.

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.

Space Acquisition Leaders Concerned SBIR Lapse Could Hurt Innovation Pipeline

Dec. 18, 2025

Space Force acquisition leaders say they’re worried the lapse in funding for the Small Business Innovative Research program could impede the service’s efforts to leverage commercial technology and innovation.

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.

Air Force Cuts Inspections for Airmen to One a Year: ‘Heard Your Feedback’

Dec. 18, 2025

Air Force senior leaders are dialing back a forcewide requirement for commanders to hold quarterly “standards and readiness reviews” of their Airmen to once per year.

Combat Forces Command Creates New Ops Centers for SATCOM and EW

Dec. 17, 2025

The Space Force’s Combat Forces Command is expanding its footprint with the creation of two new operations hubs for electronic warfare and satellite communications.

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.

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