A pair of F-15Cs aided efforts to certify a second NATO forward operating base in the Baltic region, conducting barrier trials at Amari AB, Estonia, near the capital of Tallinn, according to an April 25 release. NATO fighters currently rotate to Šiauliai AB in neighboring Lithuania to conduct the alliance’s Baltic Air Policing mission. Given regional tensions with Russia, NATO is upping deployments and joint exercises with both Poland and the Baltic states, in addition to augmenting fighter forces patrolling allied airspace. Amari was recently modernized and is specifically equipped to host NATO quick reaction alert fighters, according to an Estonian air force fact sheet. “Making sure these [arresting barrier] cables are certified gives us another airfield to operate out of for joint exercises and other potential NATO operations,” said 2nd Lt. Bryan Butler, 48th Air Expeditionary Group maintenance officer deployed from RAF Lakenheath, Britain.
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.