Airmen and officials at Offutt AFB, Neb., vigorously prepared to ensure floodwaters on the rising Missouri River would not disrupt critical base operations. “As with all operations, planning is the key,” stated Col. Michael Allshouse, 55th Mission Support Group commander. Mainly concerned about the effects of water released north of the base, Army Corps of Engineers officials inspected the base’s dike system, reinforcing key areas with sandbags. “We’re fairly confident that the main installation will not flood. We’ll continue to keep a close eye on them as the water rises and will be prepared if something unforeseen happens,” said Allshouse. In the event of flooding, plans are in order to move aircraft to higher ground. Airmen are preparing alternate working arrangements to report as usual in any event. River levels are expected to crest on Wednesday. (Offutt report by SrA. Peter Danielson)
A provision in the fiscal 2025 defense policy bill will require the Defense Department to include the military occupational specialty of service members who die by suicide in its annual report on suicide deaths, though it remains to be seen how much data the department will actually disclose.