Construction in now complete of the new Ellison Onizuka Satellite Operations Facility at Vandenberg AFB, Calif. The $40 million facility will house the 21st Space Operations Squadron. The unit is a geographically-separated component of the 50th Space Wing at Schriever AFB, Colo. The squadron manages the Air Force satellite control network. Vandenberg officials held the facility’s dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 30. Prior to relocating to Vandenberg, the 21st SOS operated at Onizuka AFS, Calif., which was officially shuttered on July 28. Vandy’s new facility is named after Col. Ellison Onizuka, an Air Force astronaut who died aboard Space Shuttle Challenger on Jan. 28, 1986. Onizuka’s widow, Lorna, spoke at the dedication ceremony. (Vandenberg report by SrA. Steve Bauer)
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.