US Air Force F-15s are flying alongside Israeli, Polish, and Greek airmen in a large-scale exercise called “Blue Flag.” The exercise, which began Oct. 18 and will end on Thursday, is spread out across Israel, and includes air interdiction and close air support exercises, reported the Times of Israel. US Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro visited the exercise on Oct. 26 and spoke with airmen from the 493rd Fighter Squadron from RAF Lakenheath, England, who are participating, according to a Lakenheath release. The exercise came as Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon visited Washington, D.C., in late October to discuss US military aid and defense sales to the country. Israel is requesting the purchase of US-made V-22 Ospreys and a larger order of up to 75 F-35s, the Times of Israel reported.
Top Lawmakers Want 15 Percent Pay Raise for Enlisted Troops
April 19, 2024
A new law introduced by Congress would raise the pay rate 15 percent for junior enlisted troops and seek improvements on a range of quality of life issues, such as pay and compensation, child care, housing, health care access, and military spouse employment.