Some two weeks after arriving there, an RQ-4 Global Hawk remotely piloted aircraft took off from Misawa AB, Japan, marking the first operational mission originating from Japan for this aircraft type, according to a base release. The June 6 mission was also the first operational mission from a joint-use civilian and military airfield there, states the June 12 release. Coordination of civilian and military air traffic is typically not done in Japan, so this flight was “important because it proves that remotely piloted aircraft and manned aircraft can operate on the same airfield together despite their variety of missions or purpose,” states the release. Heavy fog conditions did not keep the Global Hawk from flying on June 6. “The Global Hawk successfully operated in these adverse conditions,”, said MSgt. Michael Adcock, weather flight chief with Misawa’s 35th Operations Support Squadron. The Air Force plans to operate Global Hawk aircraft from Misawa through the summer, according to the release.
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.