A contingent of more than 100 airmen and four KC-135s from the 22nd Airlift Wing at McConnell AFB, Kan., participated in a first-of-its-kind forward-deployment drill during a nuclear operational readiness exercise. These assets moved to Grand Forks AFB, N.D., for four days earlier this month to see how well they could support the B-52H bombers there tasked with executing the nuclear mission. “Because of limited resources in the past, we just didn’t take the time and resources to [forward deploy],” said Lt. Col. Scott Thatcher, commander of McConnell’s 350th Air Refueling Squadron. He continued, “[N]ow that we’re refocusing and reinvigorating the nuclear enterprise, we think it’s important to exercise it and be ready if we’re tasked with a mission.” In addition to aircrew and maintainers, the wing sent some of its security forces, supply personnel, and petroleum and lubricant specialists to Grand Forks. (McConnell report by SrA. Abigail Klein)
How Miss America 2024 Took the Air Force Somewhere New
Dec. 20, 2024
When 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh became the first ever active service member crowned Miss America on Jan. 14, top Air Force officials recognized a rare opportunity to reach women and girls who otherwise might not consider military service as an option.