Airmen and F-16s from the Alabama National Guard’s 100th Fighter Squadron in Montgomery touched down at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, on a six-month combat deployment, according to a Bagram release. This mark’s the unit’s first tour in Afghanistan, states the May 2 release. First Lt. Samuel Kniskern, 100th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron intelligence officer in charge, said the Alabama air guardsmen will serve the entire six-month rotation, something unusual for Air Guard units, which usually swap out more frequently. The F-16s arrived on April 27. These airmen will provide over-watch and close air support during their time at Bagram. “I think morale is pretty high; everyone realizes it is a six-month deployment and we are all digging in together,” said Kniskern. (Bagram report by SSgt. Evelyn Chavez)
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.