Europe-based F-15C/Ds and C-130Js are taking part in tactical integration Exercise Real Thaw alongside several NATO allies at Beja AB, Portugal, US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa announced. “We’re excited to be here, working side-by-side with our NATO allies, honing our joint air interoperability as well as tactical skills,” 493rd Fighter Squadron operations supervisor Lt. Col. Rob Fowler said in a release. Approximately 100 pilots, maintainers, and support personnel from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, UK, and some 60 personnel from the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein AB, Germany, arrived at Beja this week. Exercise scenarios include offensive and defensive counter-air, high-value asset protection, and airlift-fighter escort, according to a release. Aircraft and personnel from NATO allies Belgium, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Norway, and Spain are also participating in the Portuguese-hosted Red Flag-style exercise, which runs from Feb. 22 to March 3.
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.