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)
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.