Maj. Pat Houtman, a Delaware Air National Guard C-130 pilot, has received a Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions during a November 2004 supply mission over Afghanistan. The transport had a heavy load and 10 passengers when it came under fire. The Delaware News Journal reports that Houtman credited his five ANG crewmen with the experience, training, and teamwork needed to get the Hercules out of danger.
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.