The Missouri Air National Guard’s 241st Air Traffic Control Squadron in St. Joseph recently acquired a new Tactical Air Navigation System, or TACAN, for its operations. The 20,000-pound deployable system is “an electronic lighthouse for aircraft,” explained MSgt. Michael Thomsen, a member of the unit. It features a transmitter and antenna that sends out bearing and distance information to aircraft. It has a longer range than the previous system it replaces and airmen can maintain it remotely, said squadron officials in an April 19 release. The TACAN packs up into its own rolling trailer for towing around an airfield or airlift aboard a C-130 of larger cargo aircraft. Upon its arrival at an airfield, it requires about two hours to set up, said the unit members. (St. Joseph report by MSgt. Mike R. Smith)
OA-1K Skyraider Crashes in Oklahoma, Crew Uninjured
Oct. 24, 2025
An Air Force OA-1K Skyraider II crashed near Oklahoma City on Oct. 23, with a civilian contractor and Active-duty Airman escaping uninjured. The OA-1K was on a training mission when the crash occurred, less than 10 miles from the base.
