Air Force

News from across the U.S. Air Force.

Latest in Air Force

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 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 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)

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 rescue units awarded rare Presidential Unit Citation

By Jeff Schogol

Posted on May 12, 2026

Air Force gas 2026

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)

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 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)

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

By Kyle Rempfer

Posted on May 5, 2026

Security Forces

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)

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 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 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)

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.

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)

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)

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

Posted on Apr 10, 2026