The Defense Department has designated Richard Wightman to serve as the acting assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs following the appointment of Jessica Wright as the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, according to a July 11 Pentagon release. Wightman, a retired Army general officer, previously served as the principal deputy assistant secretary for reserve affairs. In his new position, he will serve as a “key advisor” to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on issues regarding the reserve components.
Earlier this spring, the 388th Fighter Wing proved just 12 Airmen can operate an F-35 contingency location, refueling and rearming the fighters at spots across Georgia and South Carolina. The demonstration, part of exercise Agile Flag 23-1, marks yet another proof of concept for the Air Force’s plan to send…