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Air Force (Page 2)

News from across the U.S. Air Force.

Latest in Air Force

An Airman assigned to the 36th Mobility Response Squadron waits for the signal to hook up a helicopter expedient refuel system (HERS) to a C-130J Super Hercules, assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, during exercise COPE NORTH 2018 at Tinian, U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Feb. 26. A HERS is a deployable fueling system capable of storing 3,000 gallons of fuel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juan Torres Chardon)
Air Force

Air Force’s new basic training takes shape as recruits work on real planes

By Matt White, Jeff Schogol

Posted on Jul 17, 2026

Air Force ‘Wild Weasel’ pilot receives top flying award for Yemen mission
Air Force

Air Force ‘Wild Weasel’ pilot receives top flying award for Yemen mission

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jul 10, 2026

Air Force officials have selected 8,246 staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant out of 28,358 eligible for a selection rate of 29.08% in the 20E6 promotion cycle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Mark Herlihy)
Air Force

Air Force cancels promotions for 135 sergeants after testing error

By Matt White

Posted on Jul 8, 2026

Black Bear
Air Force

A curious bear found its way into commissary on Alaska military base

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Jul 7, 2026

Venezuela
Air Force

US troops working in Venezuelan airport tower as aid flows in

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Jul 6, 2026

Col. Tracy Allen was relieved of command on June 30 of the 633rd Medical Group at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.
Air Force

Top medical commander fired at Joint Base Langley-Eustis

By Matt White

Posted on Jul 2, 2026

Doomsday Plane Insignia
Air Force

Air Force brings World War II tail insignia out of retirement for ‘Doomsday Plane’

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Jul 1, 2026

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 621st Contingency Response Wing, board a C-17 Globemaster III in support of Venezuela’s disaster relief response at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, June 27, 2026. At the direction of U.S. Southern Command, assigned U.S. military forces are supporting Department of State-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the June 24, 2026, earthquakes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Michael Hong)
Air Force

This is what an Air Force Contingency Response Element does

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jun 29, 2026

An Air Force OA-1K Skyraider II made an emergency landing in October 2025, skiding across an Oklahoma intersection, embedding a stop sign in the wing.
Air Force

An Air Force special operations prop plane crashed after pilot turned off fuel

By Matt White

Posted on Jun 26, 2026

Air Force officials have selected 8,246 staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant out of 28,358 eligible for a selection rate of 29.08% in the 20E6 promotion cycle. (U.S. Air Force photo by Mark Herlihy)
Air Force

Air Force technical sergeants see highest promotion rate in 5 years

By Matt White

Posted on Jun 22, 2026

A U.S. Air Force RQ-4B Global Hawk Block 40 assigned to the 4th Reconnaissance Squadron taxis on the runway at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 27, 2026. The mission of the 4 RS is to support U.S. intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance priorities, operational plans and contingency operations throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob Wood) 
Air Force

Air Force relocates recon drone squadron to Japan

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jun 20, 2026

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 324th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Sept 7-8, 2022. Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, 19th Air Force commander, reviewed the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by C Arce)
Air Force

Flu outbreak leaves nearly 160 Air Force trainees sick

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jun 19, 2026

The Air Force released the names of the crew killed June 15 in a crash at Edwards Air Force Base, California. (top row) Col. (select) Gregory Watson; Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella; Maj. Alexander Davis; Maj. Robert Dee; (bottom row) Maj. Brad Hovey; retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton; civilians Christopher Rischar and Jeromy Smith.
Air Force

Air Force identifies crew members killed in California B-52 crash

By Jeff Schogol, Matt White

Posted on Jun 17, 2026

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron receive fuel from a KC-46A Pegasus assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing during an off-station training near Misawa Air Base, June 5, 2025. Air refueling serves as a force multiplier, enabling aircraft to extend their operational endurance beyond their unrefueled ranges. This capability is indispensable for global strike and mobility operations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific theater where it is essential for mission execution. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Robert Nichols)
Air Force

Air Force faults crew in second tanker accident that tore off boom

By Matt White

Posted on Jun 16, 2026

B-52
Air Force

B-52 bomber carrying 8 crashes at Edwards Air Force Base

By Jeff Schogol

Updated on Jun 15, 2026

Airman 1st Class Ethan Cobb before (left) and after (right) losing 200 pounds to enlist in the service.
Air Force

Man loses 200 pounds to enlist in the Air Force

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Jun 15, 2026

A photo showing overgrown property at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.
Air Force

Families at a Texas Air Force base say neighborhoods overrun by weeds

By Matt White, Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jun 9, 2026

TRISTAN DA CUNDHA, BRITISH OVERSEAS TERRITORY - MAY 9: (EDITOR'S NOTE: This Handout image was provided by a third-party organization and may not adhere to Getty Images' editorial policy.) In this handout image provided by the UK Ministry of Defence, a paratrooper from 16 Air Assault jumps in tandem with an ICU nurse from an RAF Atlas A400M, which took off from Ascension Island to drop medical support and supplies on the remote Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha on May 9, 2026 in Tristan da Cunha, British Overseas Territory. A British national who lives on the island reported symptoms of Hantavirus following his disembarkation from the MV Hondius cruise ship in mid-April. Three passengers who were aboard the Hondius have died from Hantavirus, with several more cases confirmed. (Handout photo by AS1 Georgia Callaway/MoD Crown Copyright via Getty Images)
Air Force

Rescue mission to remote Atlantic island included rare tandem jump

By Matt White

Posted on Jun 8, 2026

Featured Art: An F-35A Lightning II sits ready to taxi prior to a deployment from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, in March 2025. (United States Air Force photo by Capt. Nathan Poblete) 
Air Force

F-35 pilots receive Distinguished Flying Crosses for Midnight Hammer, missions in Yemen

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on May 30, 2026

230426-F-AM378-0601
Air Force

Security Forces airman becomes first Air Force graduate of Army’s revived jungle school

By Matt White

Posted on May 22, 2026

An OA-1K Skyraider II comes in for a landing on a dirt path July 10 on the Eglin Air Force Base, Florida range. The new Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft continues developmental testing with the 96th Test Wing and the U.S. Special Operations Command at Eglin. (Courtesy image)
Air Force

Air Force now has 18 of its new Skyraider II ‘Swiss Army Knife’ aircraft, official says

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on May 19, 2026

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John P. Healy, chief of the Air Force Reserve and commander of the Air Force Reserve Command, is honored with the sword during an Order of the Sword ceremony at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, May 14, 2026. The Order of the Sword is the highest honor and tribute noncommissioned officers can bestow upon an individual. Healy becomes the 18th person to receive the Air Force Reserve honor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Erica Webster) 
Air Force

Air Force Reserve Command chief honored with massive sword

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on May 18, 2026

Demonstrators from the Taiwan Action Front for Palestine display a portrait of Aaron Bushnell, a 25-year-old active duty member of the US Air Force who setting himself on fire outside the Israel Embassy in Washington, during a protest against US's policies to Israel and Palestine, outside the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) in Taipei on March 7, 2024. (Photo by Sam Yeh / AFP) (Photo by SAM YEH/AFP via Getty Images)
Air Force

Mental crisis didn’t cause airman to self-immolate in protest of Israel, Air Force found

By Kyle Rempfer

Posted on May 13, 2026

Air Force HH-60
Air Force

Air Force rescue units awarded rare Presidential Unit Citation

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on May 12, 2026

Air Force gas 2026
Air Force

Air Force charity ends gas money grants on first day after huge demand

By Jeff Schogol, Kyle Rempfer

Posted on May 11, 2026

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, lands on a runway within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, April 12, 2025. The F-16 is a multi-role fighter aircraft spearheading the coalition’s defense and deterrence mission through continuous, rapid developments while maintaining combat air superiority within the CENTCOM AOR. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Erin Dunkleberger)  
Air Force

Six F-16 pilots awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses for Operation Midnight Hammer

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on May 10, 2026

Air Force Weapons
Air Force

Air Force cargo hub stored weapons in unguarded building, IG finds

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on May 6, 2026

a way for pilots to Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson)
Air Force

Retired fighter pilot taught Chinese airmen secret US tactics, feds say

By Kyle Rempfer

Posted on May 5, 2026

Security Forces
Air Force

Air Force removes security airmen from full duty after entering wrong home with a child inside

By Jeff Schogol, Nicholas Slayton

Posted on May 5, 2026

U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, parked at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, during Mosaic Tiger 22-1, Nov. 17, 2021. Mosaic Tiger 22-1 is a command and control exercise designed to test the lead-wing concept of the 23rd Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Courtney Sebastianelli)
Air Force

Two Air Force A-10s rescued lost boater on Florida lake

By Kyle Rempfer

Posted on May 1, 2026

An HH-60W Jolly Green II hoists a simulated survivor during an aerial demonstration for Saluting Our Aviation Roots, Feb. 25, 2026, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. The demonstration highlighted combat search and rescue capabilities for students and families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Bre Lewis)
Air Force

Air Force wants to use lasers to help protect rescue helicopters after Iran mission

By Kyle Rempfer

Posted on Apr 22, 2026

U.S. Air Force Capt. Josiah Bierle, 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot, awaits takeoff in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 30, 2025. Stationing A-10s in the CENTCOM AOR reinforces U.S. commitment to regional stability and strengthens deterrence against potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)
Air Force

Air Force can’t quit the A-10 Warthog, extends service into 2030

By Nicholas Slayton, Matt White

Posted on Apr 20, 2026

Airmen assigned to Flights 081-097 march in the 737th Training Group’s graduation parade, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, January 8, 2026. The ceremony is one of three graduation events for the Department of the Air Force Basic Military Training and signifies the transition from trainee to Airman. Maj Gen Scott A. Cain, Commander, Air Force Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), Calif., was the reviewing official for the ceremony. The 37th Training Wing, known as “Gateway to the Air Force,” is home to BMT. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ismael Ortega)
Air Force

The Air Force met its annual recruiting goal 5 months early

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Apr 17, 2026

Members of the 163d Attack Wing pilot an MQ-9 Reaper taxing down the runway after returning home from a milestone mission to Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, February 15th, 2024. The mission marked the first ever MQ-9 to grace the runway at Shaw AFB. This one of many examples of how the 163d ATKW is pushing innovation and the MQ-9 platform to new heights.
Air Force

The Iran war took a toll on the Air Force’s Reaper fleet

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Apr 13, 2026

Image:  A U.S. Air Force C-130H Hercules is reflected in shallow water on the flightline at Shannon, Ireland, March 2, 2026. The 302d AW deployed two C-130 Hercules aircraft and multiple personnel to Ramstein AB, Germany, to support the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Silver Arrow mission. The wing has provided tactical airlift, airdrop, and medical evacuation support in theater since March 2. The Silver Arrow program leverages volunteer Air Reserve Component (ARC) Airmen and their unique skills to enhance the mobility aircraft capabilities of U.S. Air Forces stationed in the European theater. (U.S. Air Force Courtesy Photo) 
Air Force

Man arrested after climbing up on and damaging an Air Force C-130 in Ireland

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Apr 12, 2026

Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron prepare to conduct combat search-and-rescue from an MH-6M Little Bird that was offloaded from a MC-130J Commando II during Exercise Agile Chariot near Riverton, Wyoming, May 2, 2023. Agile Chariot tested Agile Combat Employment capabilities, including using smaller, more dispersed locations and teams to rapidly move and support aircraft, pilots and other personnel wherever they’re needed. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
Air Force

A 2023 special ops exercise in Wyoming was a preview of the Iran rescue mission

By Matt White

Posted on Apr 10, 2026

Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey travels with a next-generation nuclear reactor airlifted from March Air Reserve Base, Calif. to Hill Air Force Base, Utah by a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, Feb. 15, 2026. (DoW photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Eric Brann)
Air Force

Air Force names 2 bases that could host nuclear ‘microreactors’

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Apr 9, 2026

Air Force bonus
Air Force

Air Force offers up to $50,000 annual bonuses to keep aviators in the service

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Apr 8, 2026

Team Fairchild Airmen congratulate U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Gabrielle Stallings, 93rd Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker boom operator, during a decoration ceremony at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, March 31, 2026. The receiving line following an official ceremony allows family, friends and supervisors to personally express their pride and congratulations for honorees. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Emilee Seiler)
Air Force

A boom operator on an Air Force tanker earned two DFCs for combat flights

By Nicholas Slayton, Matt White

Posted on Apr 8, 2026

U.S. Army MH-60M Black Hawks assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) fly in formation during a helicopter air-to-air refueling exercise above the Southeastern United States, Jan. 23, 2026. Air to air refueling extends a helicopter’s non-stop flight distance, a capability necessary for joint special operations missions far from established airfields and logistical support. These exercises demonstrate the 1 SOW’s ability to project specialized airpower whenever and wherever needed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isabel Tanner)
Air Force

What we know about the commando raid to recover the F-15 crew member in Iran

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Apr 5, 2026

Four U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs from the 466th Fighter Squadron and two French Dassault Rafales fly over the Balau Games, Palau, July 9, 2023. The fighter jets, in Palau for Northern Edge 23-2, a Pacific Air Forces led multilateral, joint field training exercise, showed their commitment to the Indo-Pacific region by performing this movement at the closing game of the annual local olympic tournament in which all 13 states of Palau participate. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Michelle Chang)
Air Force

Former airman pleads guilty to defrauding Air Force of $37 million

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Apr 4, 2026

F-15s in Middle East
Air Force

What we know about a downed US F-15 and its crew in Iran

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Apr 3, 2026

U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 174th Attack Wing, New York Air National Guard, conduct pre-flight operations on an MQ-9 Reaper aircraft during exercise Sentry South 26-2 in Gulfport, Mississippi, March 3, 2026. Sentry South 26-2 is a large force employment exercise focused on major combat operations and joint maritime opportunities in a contested or degraded operational environment. Sentry South 26-2 applies joint and combined warfighting doctrine against realistic and robust enemy integrated threat systems, all while under safe and controlled conditions. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Dylan McCrink)
Air Force

Air Force reactivates Reaper drone squadron at Nevada base

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Mar 31, 2026

A New Hampshire Air National Guard KC-46 tanker following the engine test that left the airport's tarmac littered with chunks of asphalt.
Air Force

Air Force jet tore up asphalt at Alaska airport during engine test

By Matt White

Posted on Mar 25, 2026

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 324th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Sept 7-8, 2022. Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, 19th Air Force commander, reviewed the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by C Arce)
Air Force

Air Force training instructor faces court-martial for sleeping with trainees

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 20, 2026

Top row: Maj. John A. Klinner, Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, Capt. Ariana G. Savino. Bottom row: Capt. Seth Koval, Capt. Curtis J. Angst, and Tech Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons. Air Force/courtesy photos.
Air Force

These are the 6 airmen killed in the KC-135 crash in Iraq

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 16, 2026

NELLIS AFB, NV - APRIL 25: A United States Air Force pilot (L) and weapons system officer look out the cockpit of their F-15E Strike Eagle as the jet is prepared for takeoff at Nellis Air Force Base while participating in the Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 2006 (JEFX 06) April 25, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. JEFX is a biannual test of new systems and technologies by every branch of the military in an attempt to speed their introduction into the modern battlefield. This year's tests involve about 1,400 personnel from the United States, Great Britain, Canada and Australia studying new technologies during mock combat over the Nevada desert and center on finding better ways to communicate critical information between armed forces. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Air Force

Former fighter pilots explain what it’s like to eject, following Kuwait shoot downs

By Matt White

Posted on Mar 3, 2026

From left, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Levi Grant and Senior Airman Ivan Chen, 137th Airlift Squadron flying crew chiefs, 105th Airlift Wing, Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, New York, sit and kneel on the ramp of a C-17 Globemaster III, assigned to the 105th AW, while preparing to transport 177th Medical Group (MDG) airmen, 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, at the 177FW, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Sept. 13, 2024. More than 30 airmen with the 177th MDG will attend clinical rotations at Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California, as part of Medical Facility Annual Training, Operation Pacific Surge. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Connor Taggart)
Air Force

Air Guard and Reserve troops say new Air Force rules add to confusion over benefits

By David Roza

Posted on Feb 27, 2026

U.S. Air Force Airmen work at the 18 Wing medical building pharmacy on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 13, 2025. The 18th MDSS team supports deployed personnel and ensures mission readiness by providing essential medications to Airmen and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Karina Lopez)
Air Force

Davis-Monthan airman indicted in plot to defraud the military of millions in medical equipment

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Feb 22, 2026

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Lauren Sweitzer, 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshals an E-3 Sentry, assigned to the 968th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, March 6, 2022. The aircraft provides an accurate, real-time picture of the battlespace to the Joint Air Operations Center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross)
Air Force

As aging Air Force AWACS heads to Middle East, where is its replacement?

By David Roza

Posted on Feb 20, 2026

Guinness World Records
Air Force

This Air Force officer has set 17 Guinness World Records — so far

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Feb 19, 2026

Task Force Pegasus Troopers stand silhouetted before attempting to complete the Norwegian Foot March on Forward Operating Site Powidz, Poland, Aug. 8, 2024. Task Force Pegasus has joined with Allied Nation Soldiers and local community members to attempt the 18.6-mile march. The march was first held in 1915 as a test of marching endurance for soldiers in the Norwegian Army. The goal today is to stimulate the general interest of marching over extended distances amongst military and civilian personnel. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Julian Winston)
Air Force

Military leaders should assume an absent troop is ‘in danger,’ watchdog finds

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Feb 19, 2026

Lt. Col. Jeff Budis, center, Air Forces Southern operations directorate, chief of exercises and airshows, Capt. Nate Delaney, right, 55th Rescue Squadron chief of plans and exercises and Staff Sgt. James Delaura, left, special missions aviator with the 563rd Operations Support Squadron pose for a photo in front of an HH-60W Jolly Green II at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, after returning from a successful rescue mission, Feb. 6, 2026. The mission demonstrated the Air Force rescue community’s ability to rapidly integrate qualified personnel across multiple units to respond when time, distance and personnel availability converge. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Rachel Maxwell)
Air Force

Air Force crews scrambled to find a pilot to fly rescue mission far out to sea

By Matt White

Posted on Feb 13, 2026

Airmen from the 158th Fighter Wing refuel and rearm an F-35 Lightning II during a Distributed Integrated Combat Turn (D-ICT) exercise, June 12, 2025, at Westover Air Reserve Base, Chicopee, Mass. The D-ICT allows for rapid refueling and rearming of fighter aircraft to increase sortie generation and mission readiness. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Jay Hewitt)
Air Force

Air Force bans smart glasses for troops in uniform

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Feb 6, 2026

A Nevada Air National Guard C-130H flies above Lake Tahoe during a "spouse lift" while Master Sgt. Billy Johnson, loadmaster with the 192nd Airlift Squadron, sits on the ramp, October 30, 2024. The 152nd Airlift Wing, Nevada Air National Guard, held the spouse lift to explain the mission of the Nevada Air National Guard and to recognize spouses for supporting their military members (Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michelle Brooks).
Air Force

An Air Guard wing touched down on all 7 continents in 2-year span

By Matt White

Posted on Feb 6, 2026

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe
Air Force

Top enlisted leader in the Air Force explains why he wears his father’s service pin

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Feb 3, 2026

Image: Airmen from the 155th Air Refueling Wing listen to leadership in preparation for an upcoming Combat Readiness Inspection during his commander’s call at Nebraska Air National Guard Airbase, Lincoln, Nebraska, January 11, 2026. The CRI will test 155th Wing’s rapid deployment capabilities and crisis response while operating in a degraded environment. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Jeremiah Johnson)
Air Force

Air Force to bring back ‘no-notice’ combat readiness inspections

By Nicholas Slayton

Updated on Feb 1, 2026

Hawaii Air National Guard Airmen conduct maintenance on a KC-135 Stratotanker at dawn prior to an aerial refueling mission at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Dec. 1, 2025. The 203rd Air Refueling Squadron provides critical aerial refueling capabilities in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command operations and global mobility missions worldwide. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy
Air Force

Air Force plans to include simulated airfields in basic training

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Jan 29, 2026

Image: U.S. Air Force Capt. Josiah Bierle, 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot, awaits takeoff in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 30, 2025. Stationing A-10s in the CENTCOM AOR reinforces U.S. commitment to regional stability and strengthens deterrence against potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)
Air Force

An A-10 Warthog named ‘Diddy Kong’ is operating in the Middle East

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jan 26, 2026

Japan Air Self-Defense Force members from the Naha Air Rescue Squadron ride on a U.S. Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II assigned to the 33rd Rescue Squadron, in support of exercise Cope Angel 25-1 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 26, 2025. Cope Angel is an annual bilateral personnel recovery exercise conducted with U.S. Air Force and JASDF personnel, providing the opportunity for both services to integrate, plan and train together. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)
Air Force

Air Force helicopter landed too close to crowd in death of school teacher, report finds

By Nicholas Slayton, Matt White

Updated on Jan 25, 2026

F-15s in Middle East
Air Force

F-15 squadron that took out Iranian drones returns to the Middle East

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on Jan 21, 2026

CV-22 Ospreys assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron (SOS) approach an MC-130J Commando II for aerial refueling over the Sea of Japan, Mar. 17th, 2023. The 21st SOS utilizes the unique capabilities of the Osprey to conduct long range infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply missions for special operation forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Trevor Gordnier)
Air Force

Air Force crew reacted rapidly to sudden power failure in Osprey mishap

By Matt White

Posted on Jan 13, 2026

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jordan Wesemann, left, 909th Air Refueling Squadron instructor pilot, and Capt. Jared Wesemann, 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot, deployed to Kadena Air Base, pose for a photo at Kadena AB, Japan, Dec. 4, 2025. The twin brothers shared the same sky and mission during Jordan Wesemann’s final flight at Kadena, a rare opportunity that united tanker and fighter aircrews over the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)
Air Force

Twin Air Force pilots connect in refueling flight over the Pacific

By Patty Nieberg

Posted on Jan 13, 2026

Image: The Air Force Warfare center D.C. Air National Guard pilots with the 121st Fighter Squadron launch out on Aug. 8, 2025 in Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Bamboo Eagle is a U.S. Air Force Warfare Center exercise that builds upon the tactical expertise exercised in Red Flag and presents participants with opportunities to overcome challenges associated with mission generation and command and control in a contested environment. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Natalie Filzen)
Air Force

Air Force plans for new electronic warfare squadron to aid combat training 

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jan 10, 2026