Uzbekistan has told NATO and its allies that they can no longer use the Central Asian country’s territory or airspace to support operations in Afghanistan. The Uzbeks earlier kicked the US military out of Karshi-Khanabad Air Base—the Pentagon paid its bill for use of the base earlier this month. (DR 11/21/05) The NATO deadline is Jan. 1. According to Associated Press news service, NATO officials say there are other capabilities available to ensure the mission is undeterred.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.