On Tuesday, 18th Air Force, Air Mobility Command’s sole numbered air force, celebrates its 10th anniversary. Born from the consolidation of AMC’s 15th AF and 21st AF, the command activated 18th AF on Oct. 1, 2003, at Scott AFB, Ill., after 45 years of dormancy. “A decade after our rebirth, our 18th Air Force is not merely the largest numbered air force, but also the most experienced, battle-tested airmen our country has ever known,” wrote Lt. Gen. Darren McDew, 18th AF commander, in a letter to the NAF’s airmen marking the anniversary. “From humanitarian response in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy and the Haiti and Japan earthquakes, to support of coalition and allied efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Mali, 18th Air Force airmen are always ready to answer the call as America’s first responders,” he stated. The NAF oversees some 39,000 Active Duty airmen and more than 1,300 Total Force airlifters and tankers. (See also Scott report by Maj. Michael Meridith)
When acting Air Force Secretary Gary A. Ashworth rescinded service-wide “Family Days” last week citing the need to build readiness, he left it up to commanders, directors, and supervisors to decide if they would still permit extra days off. Here’s how Air Force major commands are taking that guidance.