The Air Force and its industry partners on May 4 successfully launched the second Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite into orbit from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., said officials with the 45th Space Wing. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carried the sophisticated, Lockheed Martin-built communications satellite into space. “We applaud the teamwork between our wing and all our mission partners involved in making this mission a success,” said Brig. Gen. Anthony Cotton, 45th SW commander, who served as the launch decision authority. AEHF-2 joins AEHF-1 on orbit. These satellites are designed to provide secure communications to US military forces around the globe. (Cape Canaveral report by Chris Calkins)
National Guard adjutants general from nearly two dozen states have signed a letter to Congress seeking multiyear funding for the Air Force to purchase between 72 and 100 new fighter jets per year to modernize the total force.The letter, sent to Congress last week, stresses the need for the Air…