National Guard Bureau officials have dedicated Sheppard Hall, the new $52 million addition to the Air National Guard Readiness Center at JB Andrews, Md. The addition, named after retired Maj. Gen. Donald Sheppard, former ANG director, includes administrative offices for the ANG directorate and a fitness center. The new office space allows all ANG directorate staff to be united under one roof. Previously some staff worked out of a building in Crystal City, Va. The united location at Andrews also provides enhanced force protection measures for the entire directorate staff, which was required by BRAC 2005. The addition also features an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient design, including a roof that absorbs rainwater and provides insulation. The dedication ceremony took place Sept. 24. (Andrews report by TSgt. John Orrell)
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.