When US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa supported the “noncombatant evacuation” of US personnel in Libya this summer, the command sent five tankers, three F-16s, C-130s, and a C-17, said USAFE-AFAFRICA Commander Gen. Frank Gorenc on Monday. During that mission alone, the F-16 pilots logged 12.5 hours in the air, he said at AFA’s Air & Space Conference in National Harbor, Md. “What if we had to do that mission with rotating forces?” he questioned, alluding to the continue call from Congress to cut US force structure and manpower in Europe in lieu of instituting another round of stateside base closures. “We certainly couldn’t be as responsive. It would cost roughly three-to-one on the force structure. That’s the reality of it. That’s the decision we have to make,” he said.
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.