Royal Air Force personnel who will operate the three RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic eavesdropping aircraft that Britain is acquiring will train at Offutt AFB, Neb., under the 55th Wing, USAF’s sole Rivet Joint operational unit. “We are truly excited about this unique opportunity to have members of the RAF training with us,” said Brig. Gen. John Shanahan, 55th Wing commander. The first Brits are scheduled to arrive Jan. 11; nearly 100 RAF personnel are slated to train there throughout 2011. They’ll mostly have experience in Nimrod R1 reconnaissance aircraft. They will participate in USAF’s standard RC-135 course work. Their training will take between three and five months, depending on crew position. Once qualified, they’ll be allowed to fly on USAF Rivet Joints until the British RC-135s are ready. The Brits are expected to receive their RC-135s in late 2013. (Offutt report by Ryan Hansen)
How Miss America 2024 Took the Air Force Somewhere New
Dec. 20, 2024
When 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh became the first ever active service member crowned Miss America on Jan. 14, top Air Force officials recognized a rare opportunity to reach women and girls who otherwise might not consider military service as an option.