Lt. Gen. Burton Field on Monday assumed command of 5th Air Force and US Forces, Japan, from Lt. Gen. Edward Rice in a ceremony at Yokota Air Base. Field comes to Yokota from the Pentagon where he served since February 2009 as the senior military advisor to the US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1979 and is a command pilot, with more than 3,400 hours logged in the F-16 and F-22. Rice, who had led 5th AF since February 2008, has received the Senate’s approval for his new assignment leading Air Education and Training Command at Randolph AFB, Tex. Fifth Air Force, a major component of Pacific Air Forces, assists in the mutual defense of Japan and enhances regional stability in East Asia in partnership with Japan. (Yokota release)
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.