Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz plans Friday to fly in the first new C-130J destined for the 317th Airlift Group at Dyess AFB, Tex., reports the Abilene Reporter News. A base spokesman told the newspaper that Dyess expects to receive 28 J model Hercules to replace its older Herks, receiving the last by 2013.
Air Force F-16 pilot Lt. Col. Eric R. Emerson, who commanded a small quick reaction force of fighters responding to Iranian-backed militia groups in 2024, became the first Air National Guardsman presented with the Anthony C. Shine Award on Feb. 10.

