Orlando, February 18, 2010—Gen. Gene Renuart, who leads NORAD and US Northern Command, noted that that upcoming changes in the Arctic region—more sea lanes opening from melting ice with accompanying territorial and resource disputes—will create “stress and competition.” However, in addressing AFA’s Air Warfare Symposium, he also said the situation could lead to expanded partnership activities with Canada, Russia, Denmark, Norway, and other nations. Renuart said DOD and the State Department are working together to develop “a national strategy that is more clear.” For starters, though, he advocates applying some lessons from USAF support to Antarctic operations, including generating better communications, situational awareness, and command and control capabilities.
Members of the Air Force Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing helped save 11 airplane crash survivors off the coast of Florida on May 12. The Reserve Airmen were flying an HC-130J Combat King II and an HH-60W Jolly Green II on a routine training flight when a Coast Guard call diverted…