The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report criticizing the Air Force’s plan to divest 32 Block 20 F-22 Raptor aircraft. The GAO cites a lack of sufficient data and analysis to support the decision.
A Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptor pulls away from a KC-135 Stratotanker after receiving fuel April 21, 2021, near Oahu, Hawaii. The fifth-generation aircraft, operated by Airmen from the 199th and 19th Fighter Squadrons, integrated with a Royal Australian Air Force command-and-control aircraft during exercise Pacific Edge 21. The exercise was held to enhance air-combat proficiencies through the integration of allied units and further the interoperability between the two countries’ aircraft. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. John Linzmeier)
The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) held a meticulously planned ceremony on Friday, Jun. 7th, at Suwon Air Base to bid farewell to its legendary F-4 Phantom fighter jets after an impressive 55-year service record. Nicknamed “Dokkaebi” (Korean goblin) for their versatility, the Phantoms were revered as guardians of South Korean skies.
A recent training exercise conducted by the 419th Fighter Wing, a US Air Force Reserve unit, focused on evaluating the effectiveness of the Multi-Capable Airmen (MCA) concept within the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) strategy. One key aspect of the exercise involved demonstrating the viability of using a Manually Operated Lift Truck (MOLT) for weapons loading in remote environments.
Staff Sgt. Shelbi Campbell and Staff Sgt. Robert Cheek work the crank of a manually-operated lift truck during a wing exercise at Marine Corps Station Miramar May 15, 2024. The 419th Fighter Wing exercise was designed, in part, to demonstrate effective training with a MOLT in remote environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Barker) Continue reading “Reservists prove mettle with Manually Operated Lift Truck in Agile Combat Training”
The French Air and Space Force is gearing up for a busy summer in the Indo-Pacific region, participating in two major deployments that will showcase its ability to reach out to the region rapidly and commitment to the area.
California Air National Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing (144 FW) recently hosted Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 (VMFA-211) for a joint training exercise focused on fighter integration. The F-35B Lightning IIs from Arizona arrived at Fresno Air National Guard Base on Jun. 7th, to train alongside the 144th FW’s F-15C Eagle fighter jets.
An F-35B Lightning II is refueled on the flightline of the Fresno Air National Guard Base, California, while parked next to an F-15C Eagle, June 8, 2024. F-35s from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 and F-15s from the 144th Fighter Wing conducted fourth and fifth generation fighter integration training June 7-9, 2024, to refine and sharpen their skills while completing required flight training hours.(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Jason Sanchez) Continue reading “Air Guard F-15Cs sharpen skills alongside Marine F-35Bs in joint training”