Chris Gordon
Chris Gordon is the Pentagon Editor at Air & Space Forces Magazine. He has broad journalism and communications experience, and developed a keen interest in defense policy and aerospace during a year on Capitol Hill where he worked with the Senate Armed Services Committee. As a reporter, he has covered everything from national security to hockey for a variety of publications, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Chris serves on the Board of Directors of Military Reporters & Editors, a non-profit organization for journalists covering the military, national security, and homeland defense. Chris can be contacted at CGordon@afa.org or chrisgordon.24 on Signal.
Recent stories by Chris Gordon
Air Force: No Increase in Cancer Deaths Among Missile Community, but Study Continues
The Air Force has not found a higher death rate from cancer among missileers and other service members who served decades ago near America’s nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles, service officials said Jan. 30.
NORAD Sends Fighter Patrols to Monitor Russian Military Flights in the Arctic
U.S. Air Force F-35s and Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18s conducted combat air patrols in response to Russian military aircraft operating in the Arctic earlier this week, North American Aerospace Defense Command said Jan. 30. NORAD also said it sent two U.S. Air Force F-16s ...
Air Force Conducts More Deportation Flights with Armed Security Forces ‘Ravens’
The U.S. Air Force carried out deportation flights to Ecuador and Guatemala earlier this week, U.S. officials told Air & Space Forces Magazine, as the Pentagon continues to fly migrants out of the country at the direction of President Donald Trump. U.S. aircrews participating in ...
Patches, Nail Polish, Shaving: Here Are the New Air Force Dress and Grooming Standards
Airmen will be subject to new uniform, grooming, and appearance standards starting Feb. 1, senior Air Force leaders announced Jan. 29.
Trump Wants an Iron Dome for America. How the Space Force Is Key to Making It Happen
President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to prepare a sweeping plan within 60 days to defend the American homeland against attacks from Russian and Chinese missiles and other aerial threats. The directive calls for a comprehensive air and missile defense strategy, with a heavy emphasis ...
Hegseth Gives Brown Vote of Confidence as Chairman, Pledges Pentagon Overhaul
New Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed to reshape the Pentagon and implement President Donald Trump’s agenda as he began his first official day on the job Jan. 27. He also indicated he will not try to fire Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. ...
Air Force C-17s Conduct First Deportation Flights, Two Not Allowed to Land
Two U.S. Air Force C-17 flights carrying out deportation missions turned around after being denied diplomatic clearance to land in Colombia, U.S. officials told Air & Space Forces Magazine on Jan. 26. The Air Force began deportation flights of people held in detention by Customs ...
Air Force Shuts Down DEI Programs, Following President’s Orders
The Air Force has started the process of shutting down its diversity and inclusion offices and boards to comply with a sweeping Executive Order from President Donald Trump, though the process is still ongoing, an official told Air & Space Forces Magazine.
Air Force to Conduct Deportation Flights for Thousands of People
The Pentagon plans to use U.S. Air Force C-17s and C-130s to deport 5,400 people currently detained by Customs and Border Protection, officials announced Jan. 22, the first act in President Donald Trump’s sweeping promise to crack down on undocumented immigrants and increase border security.
Acquisition Official Tapped as Acting Air Force Secretary
Gary A. Ashworth, a career Department of Defense civil servant and former Air Force officer, has been tapped by President Donald Trump to be Acting Secretary of the Air Force, the White House announced on Jan. 20.
‘Same Threats’ Drive Air Force, Marines to Different Visions of Future War. How Will They Work Together?
The Air Force became the latest service to roll out a new operating concept for the future when Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin unveiled the service's Force Design last fall. But the Air Force is hardly the only service with a Force Design, and ...
Trump Picks NRO’s Meink as Next Air Force Secretary
President-elect Donald Trump has picked Dr. Troy E. Meink to become the next Secretary of the Air Force, he announced Jan. 16. Meink is currently the principal deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office, a Department of Defense intelligence agency that works closely with the ...
USAF Rejiggers T-7 Plan Again: New Test Aircraft, Delayed Production
The Air Force plans to buy four more production-representative T-7 jets for test and delay the first production contract by a year, until fiscal 2026—the latest setback to acquiring USAF's first new trainer in decades.
Hegseth Vows to ‘Look Under the Hood’ of NGAD, Review Air Force Capacity
Pete Hegseth vowed to review plans for the future of the Air Force during a contentious three-and-half-hour confirmation hearing Jan. 14 on his nomination to serve as the next Secretary of Defense. Perhaps the most significant Air Force decision Hegseth will face, if he is confirmed ...
VIDEO: Watch an Air Force C-130 Crew Fly Low to Fight LA Fire
U.S. Northern Command and the National Guard posted a video to Facebook on Jan. 12 which presents an over-the-shoulder view of a C-130J crew with the California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing as they drop lines of fire retardant on the mountains above the ...