Darrel Whitcomb
Recent stories by Darrel Whitcomb
Nellis Warfighters to Begin Training on Next-Gen F-35 Simulator in 2025
The U.S. Air Force’s long-awaited, much-anticipated Joint Simulation Environment (JSE)—a high-fidelity simulated battlespace system that warfighters will use to train on fifth-generation platforms—is expected to reach initial operational capability in 2025 at the Joint Integrated Test and Training Center Nellis...
Air Force Historical Foundation Reveals Winners of Prestigious Awards
The Air Force Historical Foundation (AFHF) announced the 2023-2024 winners of its prestigious annual awards honoring individuals and units “dedicated to the making and documentation of Air Force and Space Force history.” In addition to the standard collection of awards, this year’s honors include the first-ever ...
Moody Goes Solar: Schneider Electric Saves USAF Millions with Budget-Neutral Energy Project
Schneider Electric completed an $11.2 million task order at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., in 2022 and just two years later, the project is already paying for itself. The upgrades are saving an estimated $700,000 in utility and operational costs per year while improving base-wide ...
AFA In Action: 2024 National AFA Thompson/Mallett Teacher of the Year
The Air & Space Forces Association named Ty White the 2024 Teacher of the Year. David Tyrel “Ty” White, a high school chemistry teacher at Willcox High School in Willcox, Ariz., guides his students toward their own authentic STEM experiences....
Hurlburt Saves $1.5 Million Annually Through Energy Resilient Upgrades
Air Force Special Operations Command, headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Fla., is tackling grid stability issues through a self-funding $22.6 million Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) with Schneider Electric. The project is reported to save the Air Force $1.5 million annually during the 20-plus year contract.
Schneider Electric Transforms Yokota’s Power Grid with Self-Funded Energy Upgrades
The improvements delivered through an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) includes $406 million of guaranteed energy savings over the course of the 25-year contract—meaning it requires no upfront investment from Yokota Air Base or U.S. taxpayers.
‘To Those Who Have Gone’: AFA Revives Doolittle Raiders’ Toast in Worldwide Event
“A toast to those who gave their all in success of their mission, and to those who have since joined them. Our fondest memories, sincere appreciation, and gratitude—to those who have gone.”
AFA In Action: AFA’s Yearlong Vietnam War Commemoration Reaches Powerful Conclusion at National Cathedral
The event, titled “A Celebration of Character & Courage,” was the long-awaited climax to AFA’s year-long commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the end of combat operations in Vietnam and the return of American POWs in 1973.
‘The Guardian Spirit’: Montana’s Only Space Force Unit Wins Polaris Award
The 22nd Space Operations Squadron, Detachment 1 at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., is the winner of the Polaris Award for Team Excellence for embodying all four core Guardian Values in 2023.
Detangling the ‘Web of Networks’ with HII’s Mission Partner Environment Solution
HII Mission Technologies is developing the Mission Partner Environment (MPE) to consolidate DOD's web of networks into a single framework.
‘Courage to be Bold’: Guardian Wins Polaris Award for Restructuring Team
The U.S. Space Force selected Capt. Samantha J. Pereira of the 3rd Space Operations Squadron (3 SOPS) at Schriever Space Force Base, Colo., as the winner of the Polaris Award for Courage for “championing new ideas, accepting smart risks and pursuing opportunities for innovation and mission ...
‘Commitment to Mastery’: 1st Lt. Novak, the 57th Guardian, Wins Polaris Award
The U.S. Space Force selected 1st Lt. Jonathan Novak of the 3rd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Space Force Base, Colo., as the winner of the Polaris Award for Commitment for “displaying devotion to personal development and self-improvement, utilization of resources, and unique strengths and skills” ...
‘Connection Toward Unity’: Guardian Wins Polaris Award for Championing Space at USAFA
The U.S. Space Force selected Maj. Jessica M. Pratt of the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Wing in Colo. as the winner of the Polaris Award for Connection for “developing, growing, and sustaining connections while treating everyone with dignity, empathy, and respect” in 2023. ...
‘Character Above All’: Top-Performing Space Force MTI Wins Polaris Award
The U.S. Space Force selected Tech. Sgt. Isabel F. Childress of the 1st Delta Operations Squadron, Detachment 1, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, as the winner of the Polaris Award for Character for “personifying integrity, honesty, candor, fairness, accountability, and transparency” in 2023.
AFA In Action: AFA’s Recruiting Task Force ‘Aims High’ in New Partnership with AFRS
AFA chartered its recruiting task force in 2023 to identify how AFA members and Chapters could support the Air Force Recruiting Service which has the smallest footprint among all the service branches.