Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., has deployed more than 1,200 people and nearly 600 tons of cargo this year, shattering previous deployment records, according to a base release. Airmen from every Active Duty unit on base have deployed in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, Operation Freedom Sentinel, Operation Inherent Resolve, and Operation Resolute Support. Airmen and 12 A-10C Thunderbolts from the 355th Fighter Wing were latest to return home in August from the first theater security Package to Europe. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) congratulated the base and its airmen in a written statement. “The pace and scope of operations supported by service members from D-M have proven the versatility of its mission set, and the resiliency of the men and women who call the base home,” he said.
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.