Airmen at the 45th Space Wing at Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., successfully launched a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on May 22 carrying a classified National Reconnaissance Office payload. The launch took place Thursday morning from Space Launch Complex 41, states the release. “This is the culmination of a lot of long hours and hard work by the entire mission team, which included the wing, NRO, ULA, and other mission partners,” said Brig. Gen. Nina Armagno, commander of the 45th SW. The May 22 “launch helps to ensure that vital NRO resources will continue to bolster our national defense while showcasing why the 45th Space Wing is the world’s premiere gateway to space,” she said.
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.