The US Senate approved the 2006 defense appropriations bill, including an amendment designed to keep Cannon AFB, N.M., intact until the base gets a new mission. The Clovis News-Journal reports that Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) and Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) inserted a clause in the bill that prevents the Pentagon from withdrawing any assets from the eastern New Mexico base until the Secretary of Defense affirms to Congress that a new mission has been established. The base lost its F-16s under BRAC, but can stay open if it gets a new mission by 2009. According to New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, there’s a high-level team in the hunt right now. (DR, 10/05/05).
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.