Air Force Special Operations Command’s enlisted force has bestowed its highest honor on Lt. Gen. Donald Wurster, AFSOC commander, by inducting him into the Order of the Sword. More than 700 AFSOC airmen paid tribute to Wurster by attending last month’s induction ceremony in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. “You truly humble me with this honor, and I am most grateful,” said Wurster, who has led AFSOC since November 2007. The command is headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Fla. CMSgt. Michael Gilbert, AFSOC command chief, noted that Wurster has been in charge during “what has arguably been the most demanding era in AFSOC’s history.” Gilbert continued, “[B]ut we’re also bigger and better largely due to General Wurster’s efforts.” Wurster received notice of his Order of the Sword nomination back in August. (Hurlburt report by A1C Joe W. McFadden)
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III conducted virtual talks on April 16 with his Chinese counterpart, Adm. Dong Jun, Beijing's Minister of Defense, marking the first direct talk between defense chiefs of the two nations in close to two years.