Airmen of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing at a major base of Air Force operations in Southwest Asia are laying the groundwork for the arrival of a battery of the Army’s Patriot air defense system to bolster the base’s security. “It’s a mutually-beneficial relationship,” said Lt. Col. Shane Capaldi, chief of plans and programs for the 380th AEW. He added, “The Air Force gets the superior protection that only Patriot [missiles] can offer, while the Army is able to beddown on a premier tactical site at an established base.” More than 200 soldiers are expected from Ft. Bliss, Tex., to operate the battery, which consists of a deployable command element, radar, missile launchers, and power generators. The Patriot is designed to defeat aircraft as well as cruise missiles and theater-range ballistic missiles. Airmen are involved in tasks like preparing new dormitories, renovating other facilities, and working host-nation security and site-selection issues. (380th AEW report by TSgt. Denise Johnson)
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.