The Air Force’s 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB, Fla., currently is under command of Marine Corps Col. Arthur Tomassetti while Air Force Col. David Hlatky attends a professional military education course. Tomassetti, who was formerly the lead government pilot for the X-35 test team, is the vice commander for the 33rd FW, which serves as the joint service unit slated to train US and international pilots on the F-35 strike fighter. Hlatky called Tomassetti a “superior officer” and said, “The 33rd Wing is a joint organization, so it should be no surprise that the vice commander takes the helm, regardless of service affiliation.” (Eglin report by Ashley Wright)
China thinks it will be able to invade Taiwan by 2027 and has developed a technology edge in many key areas—but it is artificial intelligence that may be the decisive factor should conflict erupt, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said.