Carrying the Torch: 815th Airlift Squadron Assumes Airlift Mission in Africa

June 11, 2026 | By Air Force Master Sgt. Carlin Leslie, 406th Air Expeditionary Wing |

There was no formal ceremony marking the transition at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. No guidon passed from one commander to another. Instead, a moment represented something larger; the passing of a torch that lights the path of Air Force airlift across the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility.

After months of operations throughout Africa, airmen assigned to the Minnesota Air National Guard 133rd Airlift Wing concluded a historic deployment for their wing as airmen assigned to the Air Force Reserve 815th Airlift Squadron, known as the Flying Jennies, carry on the torch for the next rotation. 
 
For the 133rd Airlift Wing, the deployment carried significance as the wing's final planned deployment with the Air Force C-130H3 Hercules. It concludes a 30-year era of trusted service with the C-130H model aircraft, which is being replaced across the wing by the newer C-130J model as part of the Minnesota Air National Guard's ongoing modernization efforts. 
 
"The men and women of the 133rd Airlift Wing are closing out a truly historic deployment," said Air Force Lt. Col. Denny Paulsen, outgoing commander of 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. "The significance of this being our final planned deployment with the C-130H model added meaning to every mission and fueled an elevated level of motivation across our team."

The 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, under the 449th Air Expeditionary Group, carries a high operational tempo, being the sole Air Force airlift capability for the African continent. The mission demands no-fail execution, ensuring cargo and personnel reach their destinations on time.

Their efforts included supporting operations driving security, economic, humanitarian and anti-terrorism efforts designated among Africom's highest priorities, earning recognition from senior leaders across the Horn of Africa. 
 
"This deployment brought an operations tempo and urgency that exceeded what is typical," Paulsen said. "The dedication, professionalism and skill of our squadron were on full display through multiple high-visibility operations that demanded absolute precision." 
 
According to Paulsen, the 133rd Airlift Wing leaves behind a legacy built from decades of service with the C-130H, capping a deployment that showcased the aircraft's enduring value and the professionalism of the airmen who flew and maintained it. 
 
"All of Minnesota can be proud of what the airmen of the 133rd Airlift Squadron have accomplished," Paulsen said. "Their performance has left a lasting mark on our state and on the legacy of the C-130H." 
 
Now, the Flying Jennies assigned to the Air Force Reserve 815th Airlift Squadron from Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, take the reins. Flying the Air Force C-130J-30 Super Hercules, the airmen and airframe bring expanded airlift capabilities and a history of operational excellence. 
 
Under the leadership of Air Force Lt. Col. Stephanie Brown, incoming commander of the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, the squadron arrives ready to provide tactical airlift, contingency operations, aeromedical evacuation and rapid mobility support to increase operational capability across Africa. 

 
"The airmen and team of the 815th Airlift Squadron stand ready to support the Africom and Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa area of responsibility," Brown said. "This deployment is the culmination of a two-year Air Force's force generation 'level 300' training plan and Air Force Reserve Command certification." 
 
That two-year preparation consisted of a series of highly complex, joint and international exercises to stress test their tactical capabilities to ensure the team was ready to sustain full-spectrum readiness in their area of responsibility. 
 
The transition reflects one team completing its chapter while another immediately carries the mission forward. The final C-130H crews of the 133rd Airlift Wing passed the torch to the Flying Jennies to continue redefining responsive air mobility support for the joint force, allies and partners across the African continent.

Task Force Civil Affairs Team Conducts Subject Matter Expert Exchange in Libya

June 11, 2026 | By Army Sgt. 1st Class Shane Klestinski, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa |

Soldiers assigned to the Civil Affairs Team Libya, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, conducted a military-to-military subject matter expert exchange with representatives of the Libyan National Army and the Government of National Unity in Benghazi, Libya, May 19-22.

This exchange was the first in what the civil affairs team plans to be a series of exchanges with partner forces representing the two distinct political entities that currently control Libya. Through the end of the fiscal year, exchanges with both the LNA and the GNU will occur monthly. This gives the civil affairs team a place from which to witness a new chapter in Libya's evolving history.

Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has experienced vast security improvements, according to U.S. Army Maj. Miles Dunning, civil affairs team lead.

Dunning explained that various governments recognize the LNA as Libya's legitimate government, while others recognize the GNU, but the preferred end state is a unified Libya with a combined armed forces' capability to combat terrorism in the region.

"What we're trying to do as [U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa] — and specifically civil affairs — is get both entities to the negotiating table with the overall goal to unify Libya under one government," Dunning said. "The way we do that at [the task force], at the civil affairs level, is by conducting military-to-military exchanges with both partner forces … to facilitate a space where those partner forces can come together, cooperate and have face-to-face conversations through knowledge exchanges."

Twenty-one military officers, ranging from O-3 to O-6, represented both groups. Dunning noted that both partner forces seemed interested in making progress toward a stronger, more stable country.

"They get along together very well from what we've seen," Dunning said. "Both parties are amenable to a lasting peace and are eager to work with each other to continue these exchanges in the future. From what we observed, both partner forces were very cordial."

This event also marked the first time a task force has conducted an exchange with partner forces in Libya. Dunning emphasized that it represented a pivotal step in building relationships between the military forces of the U.S., LNA and GNU.

"It is specifically [the task force] that has been tasked to do these military-to-military exchanges with Libyan partners," Dunning said. "We are the only conventional U.S. Army force that has a presence in Libya after this engagement."

As part of the U.S. contribution to the knowledge exchange, the civil affairs team discussed how the U.S. Army conducts combined arms operations. This conversation went on to include U.S. warfighting functions, the military decision-making process, troop leading procedures and the operations order.

During a tabletop exercise — the exchange's culminating event — partner forces received a scenario in which they were operating in a fictitious country, and they had to complete a road-clearance operation from one village to another. Given specific resources to complete this notional task, representatives from both partner forces described how they would accomplish the mission.

"Insights [from this exchange] will enable successful rapport building between the U.S. and both Libyan partner forces," Dunning said, adding, these exchanges offer a distinct opportunity to participate in open dialogue and will set the stage for future operations, increasing partner force cooperation and facilitating communication between the LNA and GNU.

Dunning noted that these exchanges increase the U.S.'s ability to work with a partner force by providing a better understanding of how they operate. In return, those partner forces receive a better understanding of how U.S. forces operate, which will improve combined operations in the future.

"This was a groundbreaking event, and it has been many years in the making with a lot of parties," Dunning said. "People have put in hundreds of man-hours to make this happen, and my team was very lucky to be tasked with this mission. It is the first time a conventional U.S. Army element from any organization has been to Libya in 16 years, so it was a big deal and a big first step in reestablishing a military relationship with Libya."

Department of War Establishes Cyber Mastery Incentive Pay

June 10, 2026 |

The Department of War (DoW) is launching the Cyber Mastery Incentive Pay (C-MIP) program, a key effort in the Secretary of War's Project Patriot Pipeline initiative, and an important step toward hardening our cyber defenses and strengthening our Defense Industrial Base capacity to compete in the cyber domain.

C-MIP fundamentally modernizes how the Department incentivizes its Cyberspace Operations Forces (COF) assigned to U.S. Cyber Command. The C-MIP Framework provides DoW a powerful tool to build and drive an elite corps of cyber warfighters ready to dominate in the digital battlespace. As part of the broader Secretary of War-approved CYBERCOM 2.0 effort, C-MIP is a forward-looking, multi-layered incentive framework that promotes domain mastery within our most critical cyber work roles.

"Cyber domain capabilities are high-demand, low-density skill sets critical to our daily warfighting operations. To incentivize our cyber forces and meet both Department of War and Defense Industrial Base needs, we need to shed legacy incentive models and invest directly in our people serving on the digital front lines. C-MIP does this," said Anthony J. Tata, Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness. "It is a strategic initiative to attract, develop, and retain the specialized workforce needed to counter threats, deter aggression, and dominate the cyber domain." The C-MIP program moves beyond one-size-fits-all incentive models to a flexible and cumulative system that directly links pay to certified skill mastery and the performance of exceptionally demanding duties.

"C-MIP fundamentally changes our approach by incentivizing the pursuit of deep, technical, and career-long expertise," said Katie Sutton, Assistant Secretary of War for Cyber Policy. "By breaking down the bureaucratic norms of government incentives, this framework enables increased lethality by driving the skills, roles, and duties most vital to mission success. New incentive frameworks normally take years to develop, but the CYBERCOM 2.0 team has driven this outcome in 60 days. This framework ultimately sends a clear signal to our cyber warriors that the Department values the skills necessary to outpace and prevail against our Nation's adversaries by incentivizing Service Members' commitment to cyber domain mastery."

The C-MIP program features two distinct and cumulative layers:

• Skill Incentive Pay (SIP): The foundational layer that directly rewards an individual's demonstrated work role skill level — Basic, Senior, or Master — established by U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM). This layer creates a clear and compelling path for our cyber warriors to pursue continuous technical growth.
• Special Duty Pay (SDAP): A monthly incentive for members performing duties that USCYBERCOM designates as exceptionally demanding. This pay recognizes the specialists who scale their skills across the force by serving as instructors, certified work role trainers, and in advanced cyber duties.

The Assistant Secretary of War for Cyber Policy (ASW-CP) will oversee the execution of the C-MIP framework. The ASW-CP will closely partner with the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness (USW(P&R)), U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), and the Military Departments to ensure the framework remains agile to warfighter requirements. General Joshua M. Rudd, Commander of USCYBERCOM, stated, "I'm excited about what C-MIP represents. Our warfighters take on complex missions that demand extraordinary commitment and technical expertise. We need to ensure that commitment is being recognized, especially when our operators step into our most demanding roles."

Taking effect October 1, 2026, the C-MIP program launches a new era of cyber talent management. By aligning a competitive incentive model with Secretary Hegseth's strategic vision, the Department of War begins to unleash our Nation's potential to build and sustain world-class cyber forces for years to come.

33rd Maintenance Squadron Refurbishes Khobar Towers Memorial Sword

June 10, 2026 | By Air Force Senior Airman Reagan Hardy, 33rd Fighter Wing |

Airmen assigned to the 33rd Maintenance Squadron have worked to revitalize the flaming sword centered on the 33rd Fighter Wing's Khobar Towers Memorial by modifying it to keep the flame burning without environmental disruption.

The evening of June 25, 1996, went down in history as a tragic night of lasting impact when terrorists bombed Khobar Towers, a housing complex in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, killing 19 U.S. airmen — 12 assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing. The sacrifice of the airmen will forever root the wing's values and continue to fuel the mission.

In 1997, airmen assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing milled a stainless-steel sword to be placed at the center of a memorial located at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The sword bears a flame that burns continuously, representing an everlasting legacy "forged by fire."

As the 30th anniversary of the bombing approaches, 33rd Maintenance Squadron airmen have been working to revitalize the sword by polishing the steel and making structural modifications.

Air Force Senior Airman Adam Williams, 33rd Maintenance Squadron metals technology journeyman, and Air Force Airman 1st Class Sir Christon Oliver, 33rd Maintenance Squadron metals technology apprentice, have combined expertise and worked diligently to properly modify the sword and refresh the original design.

"The flame kept going out. So, we've made little fins that go on the side to protect the flames from going out from wind, leaves, debris, anything like that," Williams said.

Williams fabricated the fins from sheets of metal, while both Williams and Oliver produced welds that cleanly attached the fins to the blade. They cut 19 holes representing the 19 lost airmen into the sides of the sword, allowing the flame to disperse.

"There's some propane that goes through it, so we've got holes on each side that, when the sword is connected to the base, it uses regular pressure to ignite, and that's how it stays lit all the time," Williams said.

One airman assigned to the project has a deeper connection to the sword and its legacy. Williams was born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a month and a half after the Khobar Towers bombing. Williams' father, a U.S. Navy veteran, was working as a contractor in Saudi Arabia at the time of the attack and the family lived close to the bombing site.

"I spent 18 years in Dammam, which is 45 minutes from Khobar Towers. So, as I grew up, to go into town, you had to drive by Khobar Towers and that whole area, and that was my childhood," he said. "[The Khobar Towers Memorial] resonated with me, because I knew where it was and what the impact was."

Williams later joined the Air Force and was assigned to the wing linked to this significant part of his youth, and he shared what it means to him.

"I feel so honored to be able to be a part of this history. I literally walked those streets where it happened, and I still sometimes get goosebumps," he said.

The sword represents more than just the memorial's centerpiece.

"[The sword's significance] is keeping the heritage alive and honoring those [who] did die for us. It's also making sure that those family members [who] do come, see that we've put the effort in and made time for them, because they have the loved ones that made the ultimate sacrifice," Williams said. "We've put the effort in to make sure it's going to withstand the test of time, and I think in 30 years all it will need is a little touch-up."

With the 33rd Maintenance Squadron's efforts, the flaming sword will continue to burn, withstanding the environment for years to come.

"The incredible service, sacrifice and resiliency our airmen demonstrated during the Khobar Towers tragedy is part of our nomad legacy. That legacy wasn't achieved from a single event; it's an honor we earn and maintain every day with our actions," said Col. Dave Skalicky, 33rd Fighter Wing commander. "Our commitment to that legacy is what I see in that sword."

War Department Leaders Observe Kansas City's Counter-Drone Preparations Ahead of World Cup

June 9, 2026 | By Army Lt. Col. Adam Scher, Joint Interagency Task Force 401 |

Joint Interagency Task Force 401 recently visited Kansas City, Missouri, to meet with federal, state, and local law enforcement and public safety partners ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  

The visit highlighted Kansas City's readiness and the interagency coordination required to protect facilities, fan areas and surrounding communities from unauthorized drone activity. JIATF 401 continues to share knowledge and best practices with World Cup host cities for countering illicit unmanned aircraft systems.  

Kansas City public safety partners demonstrated how they are integrating air domain awareness, real-time operations and drone response procedures into broader World Cup security planning.  

The visit included meetings with security personnel at Arrowhead Stadium and with local police, fire, emergency management, intelligence, aviation and federal law enforcement partners in fan zones. Representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Aviation Administration, Customs and Border Protection, FBI and Federal Air Marshals attended the visit, showcasing a whole-of-government effort in counter-drone preparations. 

"Kansas City is ready because our federal, state and local partners have been preparing deliberately and working together from the start," said Kansas City Police Department Maj. Greg Williams, who oversees the operational support division. "Our focus is on keeping fans, players, staff and the broader community safe, and that requires the kind of coordinated interagency effort we have built here." 

The War Department is supporting World Cup counter-UAS preparations in coordination with the White House FIFA World Cup Task Force by enabling access to more than $100 million in counter-UAS capabilities. Additionally, JIATF 401 provided crucial input in DHS- and FBI-led site protection plans across the 11 host cities, supported law enforcement training at the FBI's National Counter-UAS Training Center and contributed to the War Department's portion of the Counter-UAS Master Plan. 

"Major national security events require high levels of coordination between the entire federal government and our local public safety partners," said Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF 401. "Kansas City's emphasis on a strong, layered, counter-drone defense will be crucial to the safety of fans and facilities at the World Cup."

Seabees Connect to Past During Exercise Baltic Operations 26

June 9, 2026 | By Navy Chief Petty Officer Justin Stumberg, 22nd Naval Construction Regiment |

Before Camp Turtle, Latvia, was a location, it was a mission. 

U.S. Navy construction personnel, also known as Seabees, arrived in Liepāja, Latvia, this month with equipment, tools and a familiar purpose: build what the force needs, where the force needs it. 

These sailors established expeditionary infrastructure in support of Exercise Baltic Operations 2026, helping stage, coordinate, sustain and support operations in one of Europe's most strategically significant maritime regions. 

Camp Turtle is a working site for the Seabees. Planning, logistics, labor and practical skill turn limited infrastructure into operational capability. Tents, tools, equipment and coordination spaces are part of the visible work. The larger mission is less visible but just as important: enabling naval forces to operate forward, remain flexible and support allied objectives across the Baltic Sea region. 

"Camp Turtle represents what Seabees are built to do: arrive with a mission, assess what is needed, and turn a piece of ground into a place that supports the force," said Navy Lt. Thomas McDowell, 22nd Naval Construction Regiment operations officer. "Every part of the site contributes to readiness and helps enable the larger BALTOPS mission."

The name also carries meaning beyond the work taking place at the site. 

Camp Turtle draws from a local connection to U.S. naval history in the Baltic Sea. It honors the PB4Y-2 Privateer Turbulent Turtle, a U.S. Navy aircraft assigned to Patrol Squadron 26 that was lost over the Baltic Sea near Liepāja April 8, 1950. The aircraft and its crew became part of the early Cold War history tied to the waters off this Latvian port city. 

"The name connects today's work with the sailors who served in this region before us," McDowell said. "It reminds us that readiness is not only about what we build today but also about the legacy we carry forward."

Today, sailors are operating in Liepāja alongside allies and partners during BALTOPS 2026. The long-running maritime exercise strengthens allied readiness, interoperability and security throughout the region. 

Camp Turtle reflects naval heritage in action, connecting remembrance of past service with the readiness required for today's mission. 

During BALTOPS 2026, construction extends naval reach ashore. This infrastructure helps create the conditions for forces to operate, coordinate and sustain themselves beyond established facilities. 

The name Camp Turtle connects the site to a chapter of naval history rooted in the Baltic Sea. The work taking place there during the exercise carries that connection forward, linking remembrance with the practical demands of readiness. 

One Stitch at a Time: Aviator's Art Leaves Lasting International Impression

June 9, 2026 | By Air Force Staff Sgt. Tambri Cason, 307th Bomb Wing |

Long before Air Force Maj. Kerry Baker stepped into the navigator seat of a B-52 Stratofortress, he was a student tasked with drawing a portrait of Abraham Lincoln for a school project. When his classmates saw his work, they asked him to draw theirs too. 

That childhood talent sparked a lifelong passion that he shares with aviation. 

Over the past two decades, Baker has become known as a premier artist for the B-52 community, designing hundreds of unit patches, nose art pieces and official heraldry that capture the heritage, morale and visual identity of the 307th Bomb Wing mission and beyond. 

"Proud is not a word that I use in describing what I've done, but internally I am proud of it," he said. "I'm very fortunate to have been given this opportunity, or this canvas on which to work." 

Now, the 307th Operations Support Squadron weapon systems officer is preparing to retire. 

But while Baker will soon leave the flight line behind, his legacy will remain stitched into the very fabric of the 307th Bomb Wing and the broader Air Force bomber community. 

"I had a top-down view of Kerry's artwork," said retired Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Jones, former vice commander of the 307th Bomb Wing. "He is responsible for so much public relations and community engagement that can never be replaced." 

From the Canvas to the Cockpit

Baker's path to the Air Force was unconventional. 

He earned a degree in studio art painting from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, and was working for a civilian business until the events of Sept. 11, 2001, changed the trajectory of his life. 

Seeking to serve his country, he initially visited a Marine Corps recruiter before his life experience and college degree pointed him toward the Air Force. 

By November 2002, he was at officer training school and subsequently earned his wings. Driven by a desire for a balanced family life and a love for the airframe, he selected the B-52 Stratofortress.  

Baker served on active duty from 2003 to 2010 assigned to the 11th Bomb Squadron and the 20th Bomb Squadron before transitioning to the Air Force Reserve, joining the 93rd Bomb Squadron and later the 307th Operations Support Squadron. It didn't take long for his military career and his artistic talent to collide. 

"The first patch I designed was for my navigator training class," Baker said. "I knew nothing about the process, but I knew I didn't want to get too crazy with the design because it had to be embroidered. That was my first time designing something thoughtfully." 

When he arrived at the 11th Bomb Squadron, he drew an 8-foot-wide rendition of a B-52 that remained hanging in the hallway for years. That drawing established a reputation for him that quickly spread. 

By 2006, he was designing deployment patches for the 20th Bomb Squadron, tracking down vendors and ensuring his fellow airmen had their patches before walking out the door. 

Baker continued accepting requests and creating artwork for missions, often facilitating a platform to build relationships among the 307th Bomb Wing, other units, military branches and even countries. 

"He has been a vital part of our [War Department] and bomber community in fortifying global strategy and reach," said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert Vanhoy II, former 307th Bomb Wing commander. "His talent bonded units and created conversations across nations."

Art That Honors the Past

In his vast portfolio, Baker said a few pieces hold a deeply personal significance. 

One of those is the "100,000 Hours of Power" patch designed in 2014 to commemorate a historic two-ship B-52 formation with more than 100,000 hours of collective flight time among the 20 aircrew members. 

"A patch is just a piece of cloth until you put it in someone's hand; then it becomes a memory," Jones said. "Baker is responsible for that." 

Baker also lent his talents to aircraft nose art.

In 2013, he designed "Red Gremlin II" for now retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Tibbets IV, adapting the original World War II B-17 Flying Fortress nose art flown by Tibbets' grandfather.

The artwork was applied to the B-52 in which Tibbets completed his certification flight, and Baker later painted the design onto a leather bomber jacket for him.

Another memorable project was "My Baby II," a commemorative design honoring the original 20th Bomb Squadron, which was shot down over Czechoslovakia in August 1944.

Since that project, Baker's artwork has become a staple of the unit's participation in NATO Days, the largest European security show in Ostrava, Czech Republic, that demonstrates the capabilities, cooperation and interoperability of NATO allies and partners.

Leaving a Mark

As his retirement approaches, Baker reflected on his years of service and the unique mark he leaves behind. 

"Flying is great. I had a lot of fun flying ... but it's the people that I've built lifelong friendships with," he said. "When I came to the 307th [Bomb Wing], for me it was a bunch of combat aviators that really had an incredible sense of camaraderie. It felt like family right away." 

For the next generation of airmen harboring hidden creative talents, Baker offers a piece of parting advice. 

"Absolutely do not neglect it," he said. "Put it out there and let other people see it, and you'll have opportunities to do special projects that people enjoy and need." 

Long after Baker hangs up his flight suit, airmen walking the halls of the bomb wing and flight lines across the globe will continue to wear his artwork on their shoulders. 

Through his dedication to visual heritage, Baker ensured the pride, history and morale of the bomber community will endure, one stitch at a time.

104th Fighter Wing Strengthens Regional Medical Readiness With Multiday Emergency Decontamination Course

June 8, 2026 | By Air Force Airman 1st Class Ellen Ozkaptan, 104th Fighter Wing |

The Massachusetts National Guard's 104th Fighter Wing Medical Group enhanced regional medical readiness by hosting the Air Combat Command Emergency Decontamination Course at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts, June 1-6, marking the first time the Air National Guard has hosted a remote training team for this course.

The multiday training brought together more than 70 airmen from Region 1 and other regions, including the 103rd Airlift Wing, 114th Fighter Wing, 150th Special Operations Wing, 158th Fighter Wing and 161st Air Refueling Wing. Through two iterations of the course, participants completed hands-on instruction in equipment setup, personal protective measures, patient handling and full-scale decontamination operations.

Patient decontamination, or PT Decon, is a 19-person unit type code designed to decontaminate patients before they enter a medical facility during chemical, biological, radiological or industrial contamination events. The capability is essential for protecting medical staff, maintaining facility operations and stabilizing victims before they receive further care.

"The importance of [emergency management decontamination training] is the ability to safeguard a medical facility in the event of having to support victims [who] come in with contamination," said Saulo Ugarte, the course lead instructor. "The purpose is to teach these medical teams the process of setting up and decontaminating victims prior to going inside a medical facility in order to ensure that the staff inside is protected, as well as the facility itself. The PT Decon course extends beyond contamination removal."

"The second part [of the PT Decon course] is ensuring that we do lifesaving situations; for example, stabilizing the victims and making sure they're stabilized through the process in order to get the medical needs they need in a clean facility after they've been decontaminated," Ugarte said.

For the 104th Fighter Wing, hosting the course represented a significant milestone in both capability and readiness.

"This is the first time that the guard has ever done the remote team," said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Mutti, senior enlisted leader assigned to the 104th Fighter Wing Medical Group. "The Air National Guard Medical Training Division was here the last two days evaluating to see if it was up to par. Overall, it went really well."

Bringing the course to Barnes Air National Guard Base allowed multiple units to train together, strengthening regional interoperability. The collaboration also tested the airmen's abilities to operate under the demands while in full protective gear.

"My favorite part from this course is the teamwork that is involved, not only in putting it together, but the barrier of communications and how we work around that," said Air Force Senior Airman Malachi Paiz, an aerospace medical technician assigned to the 150th Special Operations Wing. "You have limited communications when having the hazmat on. It's hard to hear, and you have to communicate in different ways, such as hand signals, touching, just trying to be creative in a chaotic environment."

Aside from the technical challenges, airmen had the opportunity to build relationships outside of their units and gain a better understanding of their shared mission.

"I think meeting all the other people [who] came from the other bases was the best part of the course," said Air Force Airman 1st Class Meledith LeBron, a bioenvironmental engineer specialist assigned to the 104th Fighter Wing. "You get so used to the people [who] you're with, then you meet other people and you realize we're all doing the same thing, and we all know what we're going through."

The 104th Fighter Wing wanting to network and build relationships contributed to the decision to host the training locally.

"It was about getting the region fully trained," Mutti said. "Hosting it [at the 104th Fighter Wing] meant we could get a large portion of units trained at once."

Throughout the course, instructors guided airmen through realistic scenarios using operational equipment. The final day featured a capstone event with simulated patients, requiring teams to demonstrate communication, coordination and technical proficiency under pressure.

"The airmen are doing a really good job with what time they've had," said Brandy Tarala, a course instructor. "Everybody steps in, and you don't even have to tell them. They say, 'OK, what can I do?' The teamwork makes the process go a lot more efficiently. We don't get that all the time, because not everybody [who] takes this class wants to be here."

The course also supports broader goals within the 104th Medical Group to strengthen team cohesion and ensure deployable capability.

"My overarching goal is bringing our readiness back to where we need to be for the medical enterprise," Mutti said. "But my interior goal is team building, ensuring the 19-person team works together, understanding each other's strengths and building confidence."

As the week concluded, leaders emphasized the importance of continued regional collaboration and recurring training opportunities.

"If we can get the region ready, we will be a better asset," Mutti said.

By hosting the ACC Emergency Decontamination Course for the first time, the 104th Fighter Wing strengthened its medical readiness posture, expanded regional capability and ensured that airmen remain prepared to respond to contamination events in any environment.

DOW Releases List of Chinese Military Companies in Accordance With Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021

June 8, 2026 |

Today, the Department of War released an update to the names of "Chinese military companies" operating directly or indirectly in the United States in accordance with the statutory requirement of Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which is available on the Public Inspection Issue of the Federal Register. After the Department conducted its due diligence, it identified 188 entities that meet the statutory requirements for inclusion on the most recent 1260H List.

The Department will update the list with additional entities as appropriate. The United States Government reserves the right to take additional actions on these entities under authorities other than Section 1260H. The list is available here.

About the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy (OASW(IBP))

The Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy (ASW IBP) works with domestic and international partners to forge and sustain a robust, secure, and resilient industrial base enabling the warfighter, now and in the future.

Medal of Honor Monday: Army 2nd Lt. Walter D. Ehlers

June 8, 2026 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

Army 2nd Lt. Walter D. Ehlers served in Europe and North Africa as an infantryman during World War II.

He was born, May 7, 1921, on a farm in Junction City, Kansas, to John and Marie Ehlers. He married Dorothy Decker in 1955. They had three children and many grandchildren. 

Ehlers and his older brother Roland enlisted in the Army in October 1940 and completed basic training at the Presidio of San Francisco. 

They served together in the 1st Infantry Division, fighting in North Africa from November 1942 to May 1943, and in Sicily in July and August 1943. 

After Sicily, the brothers were split up and assigned to different units to lessen the chance that both would be killed. Both were squad leaders with the rank of sergeant during the June 6, 1944, D-Day landings on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France.

The landing craft that Roland was on was hit by a German artillery round, just as it hit the beach, killing him and his entire squad.

That day, Ehlers led his squad — 3rd Squad, 3rd Platoon, Company L, 3rd Battalion, 18th Infantry — across the beach and up a bluff, where they captured German machine gunners manning a pillbox. 

On June 9, 1944, Ehlers was leading his squad through a field when they were ambushed by German machine guns. Ehlers ran around the German flank, killing a number of them. 

The next day, his squad crossed an open field toward enemy positions. When the Germans opened fire, Ehlers and his automatic rifleman jumped up out of cover and began shooting into enemy positions, drawing all attention to themselves while the rest of the men escaped. Although he was wounded, Ehlers carried a wounded comrade to the rear for treatment. 

His Medal of Honor is for valor on those two days. 

Shortly thereafter, Ehlers was promoted to staff sergeant and then to second lieutenant, in recognition of his leadership. In March 1945, he led his platoon across the Rhine River at the bridge over Remagen, Germany. The following month, he was wounded in the leg and hip by friendly fire. 

His Medal of Honor was presented to him by Army Lt. Gen. John C.H. Lee in Paris. Lee had also made the D-Day landings.

After World War II ended, Ehlers moved to California and worked for the Veterans Administration. 

On June 6, 1994, marking the 50th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, Ehlers returned to France and gave a speech on Omaha Beach. President Bill Clinton and Queen Elizabeth were also in attendance. 

"I pray that the price we paid on this beach will never be mortgaged, that my grandsons and granddaughters will never face the terror and horror that we faced here," Ehlers said in his speech. "But they must know that without freedom there is no life, and that the things most worth living for may sometimes demand dying for."  

Ehlers appeared in the 1955 film "The Long Gray Line," starring Tyrone Power. Power served in the Marine Corps during World War II. 

Ehlers died Feb. 20, 2014. He was the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient who participated in the D-Day landing in Normandy. 

He is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. His medal is on display at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. 

Maine Air National Guard Surges Support for Operation Epic Fury

 June 5, 2026 | By Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Andrew Sinclair, 101st Air Refueling Wing |

Air Transportation Function airmen assigned to the Maine Air National Guard's 101st Air Refueling Wing helped move more than 747,000 pounds of cargo and 312 passengers since the start of Operation Epic Fury.  

The effort helps keep vital supplies flowing to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. 

Since the operation began, the wing's distribution team has handled 302 pieces of cargo, including loose items, shipping containers, baggage pallets, hazardous explosives, weapons systems awaiting parts and miscellaneous aircraft parts. The team supported 97 missions made up of 15 C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, four KC-46 Pegasus aircraft, 76 KC-135 Stratotankers, two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and one C-5 Galaxy, while also managing 67,472 pounds of passenger weight. 

The team received 70 inbound nonmilitary shipments from vendors, Air Mobility Command and other organizations headed for the Centcom area of responsibility. Outbound, they packed, marked, labeled and processed 394 shipments under the military standard requisitioning and issue procedure — weighing about 5,000 pounds. 

To keep up with the faster pace, distribution members from five different units, plus one civil engineering airman, joined the wing. These augmentees brought valuable experience in cargo and passenger operations. Among them was Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric LeFave, an air terminal operations center information controller assigned to Pease Air National Guard Base in New Hampshire. 

"So far, my job here has been assisting in the forward movement of mostly critical cargo and [mission impaired capability awaiting parts] to support my fellow wingmen and broken aircraft downrange," LeFave said. 

The work has special meaning for LeFave, who returned from overseas in October. 

"I know who's currently out in the Middle East and helped get them spun up before I left," he said. "Being able to come up here to Maine and help get them anything they need is important to me. This is the job, and this is what I signed up for. I give this career my best because that's what the Air Force needs at all times."

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Grady Thurlow borrowed three additional pieces of material handling equipment from partner units to keep cargo moving smoothly. Ground transportation crew members also borrowed an extra bus from a geographically separated unit in South Portland. 

"The true measure of this team was tested during the heightened operational tempo," said Air Force Capt. Alyssa Nelson, a distribution officer assigned to the wing. "The willingness of other units to integrate into our operations reflects the highest standard of teamwork. The collaborative effort not only builds professional relationships but is vital to mission success."

U.S. Navy to Christen Future USNS Thurgood Marshall

June 5, 2026 |

The U.S. Navy will christen its newest John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler, USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211), during a 10 a.m. PDT ceremony on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) shipyard in San Diego, California.

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Bligh, Judge Advocate General of the Navy, will deliver the principal address. Additional remarks will be provided by Vice Adm. Doug Verissimo, Commander, Naval Air Forces/Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson, Commander, Military Sealift Command; and David Carver, President of General Dynamics NASSCO.

In a time-honored tradition, the ship sponsors, the namesake's granddaughters, Cecilia L. Marshall and Melonie Tibbs, and granddaughter-in-law, Alissa Kamens Marshall, will christen the ship by breaking a bottle of champagne across the bow.

T-AO 211 is named in honor of former Justice Thurgood Marshall, who served on the Supreme Court for nearly 25 years. The future USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211) is the seventh ship of the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers and will be operated by the Navy's Military Sealift Command.

The John Lewis-class ships are based on commercial design standards and will recapitalize the current T-AO 187-class fleet replenishment oilers to provide underway replenishment of fuel to U.S. Navy ships at sea. These ships are part of the Navy's Combat Logistics Force.

The future USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211) represents a proud lineage, serving as the thirteenth naval support logistics ship to be named in honor of a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. This tradition began in 1942 with the launch of the EC2-S-C1 liberty cargo ship SS John Jay, which provided vital wartime support by transporting essential military cargo to build the massive logistics reserve required for Operation Neptune — the historic D-Day landings.

As we commemorate the anniversary of D-Day today, we remember a hard-won victory that dramatically reshaped the course of human history, bringing the promise of freedom to generations worldwide. Yet, this monumental triumph would not have been possible without the unprecedented Allied shipbuilding programs that preceded the war, and the tireless logistics and replenishment ships that sustained the fight — delivering the critical fuel, ammunition, and supplies that kept our troops and Allied partners moving forward to victory.

Echoing the historic mission of the SS John Jay, the addition of T-AO 211 to the fleet provides the Navy with a reinforced ability to sustain distributed maritime operations, enhance mobility, and deliver the critical resupply capacity needed to support a more resilient, ready, and globally present fleet.

The christening of T-AO 211 underscores the Navy's commitment to building America's Fleet of the Future. For 250 years, American naval power has projected strength globally. That mission continues — and intensifies. We operate forward 24/7, 365 days a year. This operational tempo demands continuous capability delivery, and the Fleet of the Future is our answer

Washington National Guard Builds Counter-UAS Partnerships Ahead of World Cup 2026

June 5, 2026 | By Joseph Siemandel, Joint Force Headquarters, Washington National Guard |

As unmanned aerial systems continue to evolve from recreational tools into potential threats to public safety, critical infrastructure and major public events, the Washington National Guard is positioning itself at the forefront of counter-UAS training and readiness.

Representatives from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies gathered for a counter-UAS field demonstration day at the Yakima Training Center, Washington, June 2.  
 
The event included multiple active-duty and National Guard units, state defense forces, the Washington Emergency Management Division and the Civil Air Patrol. It showcased emerging technologies and operational tactics designed to detect, track and mitigate drone threats while highlighting the Washington National Guard's growing role in developing a regional schoolhouse for counter-UAS training and innovation. 
 
Air Force Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh, the adjutant general and homeland security advisor for Washington, said the event represents a milestone not only for Washington but for the nation. 

 
"When you look at all the FIFA states, all the FIFA cities and all the different challenges that people are dealing with, Washington is the only state that actually brought people together to rehearse and discuss any of this stuff," Welsh said. "This is the only one-of-its-kind event in the entire country that's going on." 
 
The demonstration marked the latest step in a yearlong effort by the Washington Military Department and Washington National Guard to build a comprehensive counter-UAS program ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will bring millions of visitors to the greater Seattle area. 
 
Recognizing the growing threat posed by UASs, the Washington Military Department hosted a counter-UAS summit in late 2025, which brought together leaders from government, public safety, academia and industry to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving drone environment. The summit laid the groundwork for expanded partnerships and highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to airspace security. 
 
Building on that momentum, the Washington National Guard's Western Regional Counterdrug Training Center launched a counter-UAS fundamentals course to provide military, law enforcement and public safety professionals with foundational training in drone detection, identification, legal authorities and response planning. The program has attracted interest from agencies across the region as organizations prepare for large-scale public events and the growing presence of drones in everyday life. 
 
"A year ago, we were not in this space," said FBI agent Phil Randolph. "A year ago, we wouldn't have thought about drone detection around NFL stadiums. Now we're leaning forward." 
 
Among those preparing for the challenges ahead is the Seattle Police Department, which sent officers to specialized counter-UAS training in Huntsville, Alabama, as part of its preparations for the FIFA World Cup.  
 
While preparations for the World Cup have helped accelerate the effort, Welsh emphasized that the challenge extends far beyond a single event. 
 
"Don't just look at this as, 'Hey, we've got to get through FIFA, and then we'll go back to work,'" Welsh said. "We're going to be dealing with the threat for the rest of our lives." 
 
During the counter-UAS field demonstration day, participants observed a series of live demonstrations showcasing drone detection systems, swarm operations, interception techniques, radio-frequency mitigation capabilities and render-safe procedures. Attendees evaluated emerging technologies while discussing how those capabilities could be integrated into real-world operations. 

 
For Washington National Guard leaders, Yakima Training Center also offers an ideal location to expand those efforts. 
 
"This really is the Kevin Costner moment from 'Field of Dreams,'" said Army Col. Phillip Lamb, Washington National Guard's senior Army advisor. "We have 327,000 acres of untouched, unobstructed training area right here at Yakima Training Center." 
 
Lamb, who served as the garrison commander for Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, which also covers Yakima Training Center, said the installation's vast maneuver space provides a unique environment for agencies to train together, test emerging technologies and conduct realistic counter-UAS operations. 
 
"We can do a lot here and host so many organizations here," he said. "This space is underutilized, and I would love to see Yakima Training Center become that place that leads the way in counter-UAS." 
 
That vision extends beyond individual demonstrations and training events. 
 
"We want to build an Army counter-UAS center of excellence right here at Yakima Training Center," said Army Col. Craig Broyles, Washington National Guard's counterdrug program director. 
 
Broyles noted that the installation already possesses many of the resources necessary to support a comprehensive training pipeline. 
 
"We have the classroom space for the beginner-level instruction and the training areas needed for practical exercises and advanced courses," he said. 

 
Welsh said recent organizational changes have further strengthened the state's ability to address emerging aerial threats. 
 
"Bringing the Civil Air Patrol under the Washington Military Department has elevated our capabilities in the counter-UAS environment," he said. 
 
As drone technology becomes increasingly affordable and accessible, public safety officials continue working to develop policies, procedures and capabilities that can keep pace with a rapidly evolving threat environment. 
 
"Unmanned aircraft systems provide significant benefits for commercial, agricultural and public safety applications, but their potential misuse requires government agencies to remain vigilant," Welsh said. "Some people look at these drones and see a great tool to do agricultural spraying with; I look at these things, and I literally see an [improvised explosive device] with wings." 
 
For the Washington National Guard, the demonstration represented more than a technology showcase. It provided a glimpse into the future of counter-UAS training and highlighted Washington's efforts to bring together military, law enforcement, emergency management and industry partners to stay ahead of emerging threats.  
 
As preparations continue for the FIFA World Cup and other major events, leaders believe the partnerships, training opportunities and capabilities developed at the Yakima Training Center will help shape the future of counter-UAS operations not only in Washington but across the nation.

Signers of the Declaration of Independence: Georgia

June 5, 2026 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

Delegates to the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776. The 56 delegates who signed the formal break from Britain are all considered Founding Fathers; three represented Georgia.  

The Georgia delegates included Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall and George Walton. Their signatures are on the far left of the document.

Button Gwinnett

Gwinnett was born in Gloucestershire, England, March 3, 1735, to the Rev. Samuel Gwinnett and his wife, Anne.

His early work included selling fruits and vegetables and metal work.

On April 19, 1757, he married Ann Bourne. By 1762, the couple had three daughters and began moving to various places in North America in search of opportunities. 

In 1765, he moved to the Georgia coast, eventually settling on a plantation on St. Catherine's Island, where he met Hall. He held several political positions, and in 1775, Gwinnett joined Hall in Philadelphia at the Second Continental Congress.

After signing the declaration, he was elected speaker of the Georgia assembly.

In 1777, after the failed attack by Georgia troops on British East Florida, Gwinnett argued with Continental Army Brig. Gen. Lachlan McIntosh.

Reportedly, McIntosh called Gwinnett "a scoundrel and lying rascal." As a result, Gwinnett challenged McIntosh to a duel on May 16, 1777. The two stood 12 paces apart and fired their pistols; both were shot, but Gwinnett's wound eventually proved fatal.

Gwinnett died May 19, 1777, from an infected gunshot wound, and is buried in Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia.

Gwinnett County, Georgia, is named after him, as was the SS Button Gwinnett, a World War II Liberty ship launched in May 1943.

Lyman Hall

Hall was born April 12, 1724, in Wallingford, Connecticut. His parents were John and Mary Hall; John Hall was a minister. In 1747, he graduated from Yale College. For a brief time, he served as a minister, following in his father's footsteps.

He married Abigail Burr in 1752, but she died a year later. He married Mary Osborne in 1757, and they moved to South Carolina, where he worked as a physician. Shortly before the Revolutionary War, they moved to Georgia, and in 1783, just before it ended, he was elected governor of Georgia.

Hall later left politics to resume a career in medicine. He died Oct. 19, 1790, and was buried on his land overlooking the Savannah River.

Hall's remains were exhumed in 1848 and reinterred beneath the Signers Monument, an obelisk that stands in front of what is now the Augusta, Georgia, Municipal Center. The obelisk memorializes the three Georgia representatives who signed the Declaration of Independence.

Hall County, Georgia, is named for him.

George Walton

Walton was born in Cumberland County, Virginia, around the middle of the 18th century. His parents, Robert and Mary Walton, both died before he was 12, and his uncle adopted him. He grew up poor and apprenticed as a carpenter, but he studied at night.

In 1769, Walton moved to Savannah, Georgia, to study law.

During the Revolutionary War, he was a militia colonel in the First Georgia Regiment.

During the Battle of Savannah in 1778, he was wounded and taken prisoner by the British. In a 1779 prisoner exchange, he was released. He held several political positions, including secretary of the Georgia provincial congress, the Continental Congress and governor of Georgia.

In 1795, he was appointed to the U.S. Senate. He died Feb. 2, 1804, and was buried at Rosney Cemetery in Augusta. In 1848, his remains were exhumed and reinterred beneath the Signers Monument with Hall.

Walton County, Georgia, is named after him.

This is the first installment in a series of articles about the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. The 56 delegates to the Second Continental Congress, representing the 13 colonies, are all considered Founding Fathers.

Exercise Red Flag-Alaska Launches Multinational Air Combat Training

June 4, 2026 | By Air Force Senior Airman Maria Washler, Regional Media Center - Japan |

Exercise Red Flag-Alaska 26-2 commenced May 28, bringing together more than 2,100 service members from the U.S. and partner nations for realistic air combat training at Eielson Air Force Base and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

The exercise integrates joint and coalition forces into a realistic threat environment using the approximate 120,000 square miles of airspace in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, enhancing readiness and warfighting capabilities with the largest combat training range in the world.

"This iteration focuses on strengthening partnerships by practicing operations together to improve response capabilities," said Air Force Maj. Gregory Guiney, assistant director of operations for the 354th Operations Group Detachment 1.

The training exercise includes participants from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, Royal Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force and Republic of Singapore Air Force. Aircrews and support personnel will exchange tactics, techniques and procedures when executing mission sets, enhancing interoperability.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson operations began with a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron from Yokota Air Base, Japan, conducting joint airborne operations involving an airdrop of two door bundles and 50 paratroopers from the 11th Airborne Division.

"The importance of this exercise is to build joint interoperability to project forces in the Indo-Pacific," said Army Capt. Zachary Tarble, air officer assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division.

Exercise Red Flag-Alaska replicates Indo-Pacific region operational conditions, focusing on combined training with international partners and joint forces to enhance readiness and reinforce a shared commitment to regional security and stability.

The exercise is scheduled to continue until June 12.