For the Iraqi airmen of Squadron 23 at Ali Base, learning to fly and maintain the three C-130s given them by the US Air Force has entailed a crucial first step: mastering the English language. Iraq Air Force leaders decided that they would not have USAF aircraft technical orders translated into Arabic, making it essential that they learn English to be able to operate and maintain the aircraft. This triggered the Defense Language Institute to send instructors to teach English to almost 500 Iraqi airmen.
New B-52 Radar Makes First Flight
Dec. 12, 2025
The Air Force’s radar modernization effort for the B-52 Stratofortress entered flight testing recently, a “milestone” for the once over-budget system that senior leaders call the start of a new era for the Cold War bomber.
