The U.S. Air Force first tests its new air expeditionary force concept, deploying F-16s of the 20th Fighter Wing and the 347th Wing to Bahrain, under Operation Vigilant Sentinel. The idea will go on to form the basis of the Expeditionary Air Force, the service’s model for deployments for years to come.
Navy Adm. Richard Correll succeeded Air Force Gen. Anthony J. Cotton as head of U.S. Strategic Command on Dec. 5, stressing the need for the combatant command to understand and embrace new technologies for its deterrence mission.

