‘Francis L’ arrives at the Museum of Aviation

A C-47A Skytrain aircraft, known as “Francis L”, recently made a 3,500-mile journey from a museum in Alaska to the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, where it will undergo a full restoration. The aircraft, which participated in key World War II operations, including D-Day and Operation Market Garden, will be restored to its original condition and put on display.


U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Raina Dale
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Kuwait assures Malaysia on F/A-18 acquisition

Kuwait has assured Malaysia that it has no objections to Malaysia’s request to purchase its F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets. This assurance follows a visit by a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) technical team to Kuwait in June to discuss the potential procurement. While Kuwait is open to the sale, the final decision rests on two conditions: approval from the United States, the aircraft’s manufacturer, and the completion of Kuwait’s own acquisition of newer fighter jets, including the F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornets and the Eurofighter Typhoon.


U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin Long
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F-15E returns to the sky after four years grounded

After being grounded for over four years, F-15E Strike Eagle 91-0323 has made a triumphant return to operational status. The aircraft, stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, was restored to fighting form thanks to the dedication and tireless work of the 366th Fighter Wing maintenance team.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alex Torres, a crew chief assigned to the 391st Fighter Generation Squadron, stands on an F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 17, 2024. Torres played an important role in leading a team of maintainers to restore this aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Donovin Watson)

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U.S. and Chilean forces forge ‘Kill Web’ in Joint Exercise

Exercise UNITAS LXV, the 65th iteration of the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise, took place along the Pacific coast of South America from Sept. 2nd to 12th. Hosted by Chile, the exercise challenged participating forces with unique terrain, pushing them to adapt and refine their skills in a new environment. The United States showcased its commitment to regional stability and security through a strong presence of Marine Corps and Navy assets, including F/A-18C Hornets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 (VMFA-112), a KC-130J Hercules from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 (VMGR-234), and a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from Patrol Squadron 5.

U.S. Marine F/A-18Cs with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 (VMFA-112), 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, break away from a KC-130J belonging to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 (VMGR-234), 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, to prepare for aerial refueling operations during Exercise UNITAS LXV over the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Chile, Sept. 5, 2024. UNITAS, which is Latin for “unity,” was conceived in 1959 and has taken place annually since it was first conducted in 1960. This year marks the 65th iteration of the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt. Eric Kilpatrick)

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