Air Force Reserve Command’s 445th Airlift Squadron applied new squadron markings to one of the unit’s recently acquired C-17 Globemasters at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. Based near the home of aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright in Dayton, “I don’t think there could be a better logo for this unit than the Wright Flyer,” said SMSgt. Richard Burkheiser, 445th Maintenance Squadron structural repair shop supervisor. Maintainers painted the first silhouette of the Wright brothers’ 1903 Flyer over the tail sash, Aug. 18. The 445th AS transitioned from the C-5 to the C-17 earlier this summer, with plans to operate a total of nine C-17s from the base by the end of FY 2012. (Wright-Patterson report by A1C Santana Austin)
When acting Air Force Secretary Gary A. Ashworth rescinded service-wide “Family Days” last week citing the need to build readiness, he left it up to commanders, directors, and supervisors to decide if they would still permit extra days off. Here’s how Air Force major commands are taking that guidance.