Daily Report

The Air Force has apparently gotten over one of its biggest taboos: talking internally about the possibility of buying more F-22s. Until recently, USAF was under strict orders not even to think about it, but recent developments have caused the...

Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday urged the lame-duck Congress to promptly ratify the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, arguing that the nation’s security depended on it. “Time is running out for this Congress,”...

That is the overall theme that emerged from the Air Force's comprehensive follow-on review of the 2009 shootings at Fort Hood, Tex., that left 13 dead and 43 wounded or injured. "Our overall goal is to move toward an institutional emphasis on preventing violence through trained and vigilant wingmen," stated Gen. Stephen Lorenz, Air Education and Training Command boss, who led the review, which culminated in the newly issued 222-page report, "Protecting the Force: Lessons from Fort Hood." The report contains 118 findings and 151 recommendations ranging from a renewed focus on prohibited body art to the revision of dozens of Air Force documents and training procedures aimed at preventing violence. The report also recommends developing a "wingman day" with related events at "appropriate [professional military education], commanders' courses, and other training venues." (SAF/PA report by Karen Platt) (Report full text; caution, large file.)

The 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB, N.D., received a satisfactory—a passing rating—during a recent nuclear operational readiness inspection. An inspector general team from Air Force Global Strike Command visited the North Dakota base from Oct. 31 to Nov. 12...

Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan, has officially received its first two aircraft, a pair of Mi-17 helicopters. From this humble beginning, the Afghan Air Force plans to grow the Soviet-era base into its “crown jewel” for helicopter and close air support...

Japan’s defense ministry has announced that it will consider procurement of the F-35 strike fighter as part of its Fiscal 2012 budget request. The F-35 would provide the Japan Air Self Defense Force with a fifth-generation fighter in lieu of...

Technicians, airmen, and volunteers are restoring a historic HH-3 “Jolly Green Giant” rescue helicopter for display at the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. It will become a centerpiece of the museum’s transformed Southeast-Asia War gallery...

The remains of Capt. George W. Grismore, an airman missing in action since 1944, have been identified and returned to his family, the Defense Department announced. A native of Salt Lake City, Grismore will be buried at sea with full...

Harkening back to 1942’s Battle of Midway, an S-3B Viking of the Naval Air Test and Evaluation Squadron VX-30 recently rolled from the paint shop resplendent in the colors of World War II’s Pacific Theater. In preparation for naval aviation’s...

Air Sorties in Southwest Asia, Nov. 8, 2010 Sortie Type OND OEF OND/OEF Total YTD ISR 24 78 100 23,756 CAS/Armed Recon 20 97 117 30,581 Airlift 189 189 54,282 Air refueling 51 51 15,153 Rescue 29 29 7,043 Total...