According to 2008 year-end statistics complied by the 11th Rescue Coordination Center in Alaska, airmen of the Alaska Air National Guard are directly credited with saving 167 persons and aiding the rescue of another 10. That total includes 72 saves the Alaska airmen made while on a six-month deployment to Afghanistan and 16 they made providing support to hurricane victims in Louisiana and Texas. The remainder involved rescues in Alaska, which “can be a very unforgiving place,” said Maj. Guy Hayes, Alaska Guard spokesman. The three rescue squadrons of the 176th Wing—the 210th RS, 211th RS, and 212th RS—provide year-round search and rescue support in Alaska and elsewhere, as needed. Maj. Gen. Craig Campbell, Alaska National Guard Adjutant General, praised the airmen for “their professionalism and expertise.” (Alaska report)
Expanded production of the B-21 bomber can be accomplished at Northrop Grumman's existing Palmdale, Calif., facilities, the Air Force said. It also said test aircraft will be so simular to the production version that early examples could be used in combat if called for.