Adm. William J. Fallon, commander of US Pacific Command, piloted the fourth C-17 destined for Hickam AFB, Hawaii, from the Boeing production facility in Long Beach, Calif. (A PACOM statement did not mention when or where the Navy fighter pilot got his big aircraft credentials.) With this fourth new transporter, said officials, the 15th Airlift Wing and the Hawaii Air National Guard 154th Wing have moved from prep to execution. Beginning this month, Pacific Air Forces will be able to task the C-17 composite unit of active and ANG airmen with regularly scheduled mobility runs.
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.