The 522 Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, which has been deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam, from Cannon AFB, N.M. as part of the Air Force’s regular rotation of fighters and bombers to the Pacific region, took the opportunity to engage in rapid response sorties, closing on the “threat” aircraft at supersonic speeds, reports TSgt. Steven Wilson. Viper pilot Capt. Jason Monaco said, “The ability to complete rapid and safe intercepts of hostile aircraft allows senior leaders to make timely decisions regarding our strategies to best deal with the bad guys.”
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.