Air Education and Training Command leader Gen. William Looney has ordered a standdown for all T-38C Talon training, following the second fatal accident in two weeks involving the primary trainer for initial fighter-bomber pilot training. In a May 1 statement, Looney said that the service had “no evidence” that the incidents at Columbus AFB, Miss., and Sheppard AFB, Tex., are related and added, “until we have a more complete understanding of the causes of both accidents, it’s prudent to stand down the T-38s.” Both accidents are still under investigation.
Air Force senior statesmen explained the reasons they jointly sent a letter to Congress urging restoration of the E-7 Wedgetail and more F-35s to the fiscal 2026 defense budget.