June 26, 2022 New BLOS capability on the horizon for B-52s, first IRIS air demo complete The Air Force has moved one step closer to equipping B-52s with a new capability called IRIS. The 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron executed the first air demonstration utilizing the BLOS communication system paired with an Iridium Certus terminal on a B-52 Stratofortress.
June 24, 2022 Little Rock AFB selected to host ANG C-130J Formal Training Unit Four C-130J Hercules will replace aging C-130Hs to establish the FTU, which will ensure aircrews gain the experience and knowledge needed to operate the newer aircraft.
June 16, 2022 First in-air refueling between KC-46, AFSOC CV-22 The 20th Special Operations Squadron and 349th Air Refueling Squadron brought a CV-22 Osprey and KC-46 Pegasus together for in-air refueling training over Cannon AFB early June.
June 15, 2022 Moody AEROnet enhances partner nations’ airpower Airmen from Moody AFB worked closely with military members from Colombia, Nigeria, Thailand, and Tunisia to demonstrate the capabilities of AEROnet software.
June 10, 2022 65th Aggressor Squadron reactivates at Nellis AFB with aggressor force of F-35s The 65th Aggressor Squadron reactivated recently with a directed mission to know, teach and replicate fifth-generation air adversaries at Nellis Air Force Base. The decision underwent compliance with the National Environmental and Policy Act and other regulatory and planning processes.
June 7, 2022 New MH-139 Grey Wolves will go to Joint Base Andrews The 25 new helicopters will replace the base’s 21 aging UH-1N Hueys. The additional four aircraft will allow the base to execute continuation of government operations and distinguished visitor transport mission requirements without augmenting support units.
June 1, 2022 KC-46A Pegasus approved to refuel 97% of joint force receivers Less than one year after the KC-46A was approved for its first ICR, Minihan approved daily task-able operational use of the KC-46A to refuel the B-1B Lancer, C-135 variants, E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, EC-130H Compass Call, F-35B/C Lightning II, KC-10 Extender and P-8 Poseidon
May 23, 2022 Joint Black Flag tests night-one capabilities, introduces RAAF E-7, first mobile C2 element Black Flag allows the Air Force to test like we fight, developing force integration techniques and discovering capabilities utilizing existing and emerging material to deliver combat capability to the warfighter.
May 19, 2022 Eielson AFB celebrates F-35 beddown completion The ceremony marked the end of a two-year beddown process that yielded two operational fighter squadrons comprised of 54 permanently assigned, combat-coded F-35A aircraft.
May 16, 2022 Air Force conducts successful hypersonic weapon test A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress successfully released an AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon off the Southern California coast. The ARRW is designed to enable the U.S. to hold fixed, high-value, time-sensitive targets at risk in contested environments from stand-off distances.
May 14, 2022 Record construction contract awarded for F-35 facilities at Tyndall AFB Accounting for contingencies and contract oversight, this represents a $604 million investment in the #BuildTyndallStrong effort and is the single largest military construction contract on record in the Air Force database, which dates to 2008.
May 10, 2022 Vermont ANG F-35s join NATO’s enhanced air policing mission As part of NATO’s plan to bolster its collective defense posture, the Vermont ANG team will take over the mission for Hill Air Force Base’s 388th FW, which has been executing the coalition’s air policing mission since their arrival Feb. 16.
May 10, 2022 AMC’s longest flight: 24.2 hours in a KC-46A The KC-46 is Air Mobility Command’s newest aerial refueling platform, and now after completing the 24-hour flight, holds AMC’s record for the longest duration flight in its history.
May 8, 2022 Air advisors engage Peruvian Air Force, rekindle training mission Air advisors with the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron engaged with Peruvian Air Force members to train their fixed-wing unit. The mission demonstrates PERAF’s interoperability with the U.S. Air Force in future exercises and real-world operations.
May 6, 2022 AF Week in Photos This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.