The Czech Republic’s defense minister and air force chief led a Czech delegation that met with Air Force Global Strike Command officials last week at Barksdale AFB, La., to discuss bilateral cooperation. “Joint efforts are built upon a level of trust and friendship developed in part through visits and exchanges just like the one happening today,” said AFGSC Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Everett Thomas in Barksdale’s release on Nov. 21, the same day as the delegation’s call on the command’s headquarters. Thomas highlighted US-Czech military cooperation over the years in places like Afghanistan and Iraq, noting that “the friendship between the two nations is a strong one.” This year, B-52s from Barksdale’s 307th Bomb Wing, an Air Force Reserve Command unit, flew to the Czech Republic for NATO’s Ramstein Rover close-air-support exercise, said Thomas. Barksdale B-52s have also appeared at the Czech air force open house in Ostrava. The Czech delegation presented a photo exhibit from the open house to Barksdale’s Global Power Museum. (Barksdale report by Kate Blais)
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department needs to upgrade its electronic warfare capability and its EW training ranges; just as his predecessor said at his own confirmation hearing.