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U.S. Air Force News

  • AF starts with clean sweep in sitting volleyball

    Competition began Sept. 28 at the 2014 Warrior Games with four games of sitting volleyball to start the round-robin tournament at the U.S. Olympic Training Center's Sports Centers 1 and 2.Air Force made it a clean sweep of their back-to-back games. The first game against Army provided a close

  • Warrior Games begin in Colorado

    The 2014 Warrior Games, bringing together more than 200 wounded, ill or injured U.S. service members and veterans opened here today, with a senior Defense Department official lauding all those competing as an inspiration to everyone who wears the uniform.

  • Air Force women take Armed Forces softball title

    The All-Air Force Women's Softball team defeated the Marine Corps, 9-4, to capture its first Armed Forces Women's Softball Championship since 2011 at Fort Sill, Okla., Sept. 18, the same day the Air Force observed its 67th birthday.

  • AF Marathon attracts record-breaking crowds

    In yet another record sellout year, approximately 15,000 runners took to the streets Sept. 20, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio to participate in the U.S. Air Force Marathon, celebrating the Air Force's 67th birthday.

  • USA Team wraps up second day of Invictus Games training

    Members of the Invictus Games U.S. Team finished their second day of training by practicing road cycling at Lee Valley VeloPark here Sept. 9. Competitors on both upright solo and recumbent bikes tested out the one-mile road circuit to familiarize themselves with the track before the Invictus Games

  • Journalist recalls travels with Robin Williams

    U.S. service members truly lost a friend with the death of Robin Williams yesterday, Aug. 11. Williams made multiple USO tours to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf, Bahrain, Kuwait and other bases in Southwest Asia to give soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and DoD civilians a little taste of

  • Unusual sport calls fuels Airman to France

    Cycle polo? What in the world is cycle polo? That's a thing? These are questions Staff Sgt. Jonathan MacPherson, a 673rd Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Management Flight fuels service center controller, is accustomed to hearing.

  • Lombardi Trophy goes to McChord

    The 2014 Seattle Seahawks 12 Tour is taking the team's first Vince Lombardi Trophy on a journey through the Pacific Northwest during the summer and to say "thank you" to their fans serving in the armed forces, the Seahawks kicked-off the tour July 1, here.

  • Morale, welfare, recreation customer survey rolls out

    Does your base fitness center need new equipment? Do you want more recreational traveling opportunities? Do you think there aren’t enough recreational opportunities for single service members, or do you think there are too many?

  • AF wounded warriors selected for Warrior, Invictus Games

    Air Force Wounded Warrior program officials announced the names of the athletes to represent the Air Force during the 2014 Warrior Games and the Invictus Games at the closing ceremony for the Air Force Trials, in Las Vegas, Nev., April 11.

  • Warrior athletes gear up during cycling competition

    Athletes with bikes of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the standard upright bike to the handcycle, took their turn at the starting line April 9, 2014, during the Air Force Trials at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

  • Physical training uniform shortages through summer

    There will be a shortage of improved physical training uniform, or IPTU, pants and jackets this spring and summer. Air Force uniform program officials expect a full stock of IPTU pants and jackets to be available for Airmen to purchase by Oct. 1.

  • Air Force Military Athlete of the Year selections due April 30

    Nominations for the Air Force Military Athlete of the Year are due April 30, said Air Force Personnel Center officials. The program allows the Air Force to recognize outstanding male and female athletes and highlight their athletic performance and accomplishments throughout the last year.

  • Fit to fight or fighting to get fit?

    March is typically focused on the madness of college basketball or growing a fabulous mustache. But it's also a time to watch both what's on the table during your favorite team's game or on the verge of getting caught in that carefully groomed crumb catcher.

  • AF family heads to national fitness finals

    McConnell's first family to compete in the national Triple Play Fit Family Challenge has progressed to the third and final tier of the national competition. The Blairs are among the top five out of two hundred families who will travel to Los Angeles, Calif., to compete for the title.

  • AF officer, former Academy athlete killed in Afghanistan

    Former Air Force thrower Capt David (Lissy) Lyon was killed on Dec. 27, while conducting combat operations near Kabul, Afghanistan. Lyon, a 2008 Academy graduate, was a three-year letter winner for the Falcons' track and field team and a Mountain West champion in the shot put.

  • Airman finds motocross racing ultimate 'stress reliever'

    His heart is racing and his entire nervous system is pulsing with adrenalin. He revs the engine of his dirt bike easing the tension before the race begins. But this rider isn't a professional on the American Motorcyclist Association circuit, but a McConnell AFB officer who uses the sport as the

  • 2014 Air Force marathon registration begins

    Registration for the 2014 Air Force Marathon will open at midnight EST on Jan. 1 with special New Year's Resolution discounts. Participants who register on Jan. 1 will save $10 off the full or half marathon and $5 off the 10K or 5K.

  • Wounded warriors gain confidence during Pentagon volleyball contest

    Gung-ho spirits were the norm as wounded-warrior athletes from the four services, U.S. Special Operations Command and the Department of Veterans Affairs clashed at the 3rd Annual Joint Services Sitting Volleyball Tournament, in recognition of Warrior Care Month.

  • Airmen watch Carolina Panthers from 'Row of Honor'

    For the first time in National Football League history, a special "Row of Honor" was created to pay tribute to American Service members, including a blacked-out POW/MIA chair, which will remain empty. The other seven seats feature a digital camouflage pattern with all service insignias emblazoned on

  • Fighting Irish take down Falcons, 45-10

    For the first 10 minutes, it seemed like the Falcons had finally found their mojo, against the imposing Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, no less. That feeling quickly subsided when Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees aired the ball out, hitting his receivers for 331 yards and five touchdowns to hand the

  • DOD, Redskins battle childhood obesity

    Joint Base Andrews hosted NFL Play 60 and the Washington Redskins on Sept. 24, with the "Salute to Play 60 Military Challenge" teaching more than 230 military kids from the National Capital Region the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

  • 17th Air Force Marathon kicked off at Wright-Patt

    Runners from across the country and around the world competed in the 2013 U.S. Air Force Marathon Sept. 21 here. Lt. Gen. C.D. Moore, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center commander welcomed runners and spectators to the 17th annual event. "This year we have 15,000 participants in various races

  • Open mind, extra time can save cash when traveling

    Fantasizing about an exotic getaway but finding yourself strapped for cash? A "Space-A" seat aboard a military aircraft might be just your ticket to that vacation of your dreams. Military-owned or -contracted aircraft fly to more places than many people realize, even to areas without U.S. military

  • Broncos run away with 42-20 win over Falcons

    Air Force kept pace with the powerful Boise State Broncos in the first half but ran out of gas in the second, allowing Boise State to stampede to a 42-20 win at Bronco Stadium Sept. 13.

  • Airman makes a splash while giving back to community

    In 2011, Lance Thornton, then a Buffalo (N.Y.) State College student-athlete, hung up his goggles and swimwear to join the Air Force and eventually sharing his aquatic skills with the Montgomery YMCA Barracudas swim team.

  • Near death spurs trainer to change people's lives

    Looking at Paul Johnson, 56th Force Support Squadron fitness specialist supervisor, one sees a strong, muscular, fit man. But, he says he wasn't always that way. It was a near-death experience that spurred a decision in him to not only continue strength training but also change other people's lives

  • 'Aggie-ny of Defeat': Utah State thumps Air Force, 52-20

    The Utah State Aggies used a 28-0 third quarter to give the U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons their worst thumping in seven seasons under coach Troy Calhoun, 52-20, at Falcon Stadium Sept. 7. A stingy Aggie defense and clumsy Air Force offense combined to hand the Falcons, who are playing without

  • Innovative programs keep MWR relevant

    Military fitness centers, swimming pools, lodging facilities and outdoor recreation offices might sound to some like a footnote among competing budget requirements. But Ed Miles, DOD’s MWR policy director, and his counterparts across the military services see a close connection to military

  • Security forces Airmen -- ready to roll

    The 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron's bike patrol make their rounds almost daily through base housing and other designated areas, making their presence known with the goal of community policing and mobility in mind.

  • Changes to BE WELL mean more choices for Airmen

    The BE WELL program, an Air Force-wide program designed to provide Airmen and Air Force leaders with resources to optimize fitness and health, now offers more choices and increased flexibility, thanks to a revamp that went into effect July 1.The Balanced Eating, Work Out Effectively, Living Longer,

  • PLAYpass gives Airmen up to $1,000 in discounts

    Airmen projected to deploy or have recently returned from a deployment can participate in the PLAYpass Get out and Play Program and save $500 to $1,000 on installation programs.The PLAYpass program is based upon discount cards which provide eligible Airmen and family members the opportunity to

  • Airmen flip for charity

    What originally began as a dream workout, changed to working out a dream when Airmen from the base here had the idea for the ultimate CrossFit challenge: Flipping an 800-pound tire 11 miles to raise money for wounded veterans. "My goal was to flip the tire downtown," said Staff Sgt. Cody Lytle, who

  • Air Force Marathon sells out; Race transfer program announced

    The Air Force Marathon has officially sold out all races and organizers have announced details for the transfer program. "The transfer program is the only official way for runners to give their bib to another runner," said  Rob Aguiar, the aace director. "Along with the charity partner slots, it is

  • Air Force brothers make fitness a family affair

    While fitness is an important part of Air Force life, two brothers have turned a passion for running and fitness into a lifestyle that impacts just about every facet of their and their families' lives. Lt. Col. Ryan Novotny, and his younger brother, Maj. Reid Novotny, have taken the sport of long

  • 'Check Six' teaches deployed service members combatives

    When faced by an attacker, sometimes the only means of defense are ones instincts and ability to fight back. To hone those instincts, deployed service members are armed with basic, defensive fighting skills at the weekly Check Six combatives classes offered at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing

  • 37 overseas commissaries to remain open during furloughs

    Thirty-seven military commissaries in Europe and the Pacific will remain open with local national employees while U.S. civilian employees are affected by furloughs, the Defense Commissary Agency's top official said here today.Most Defense Department civilian employees will be off work for up to 11

  • Skies to conquer: Langley Airman scales Mount Everest

    In the early hours of May 19, Capt. Kyle Martin battled cutting winds gusting at 100 mph as he fought to summit the highest point on earth. After nine hours of technical climbing, he and the rest of the Air Force 7 Summits team stood atop 29,029 feet of rock and ice. Martin, an F-16 Fighting Falcon

  • Cheating Death: A story about second chances

    May 27, 2012, is a day that Tech. Sgt. Mark Hopkins will never forget -- even though it's a day he can barely remember.It was the day he made a choice that drastically altered his life forever, and almost ended it in the process."All I remember is hopping on my motorcycle around noon on my way to

  • Libraries launch 'Have Book - Will Travel' summer reading program

    Summer is just around the corner and it won't be long before the kids get bored. Head them off at the pass with adventures and activities hosted by your local library.Air Force libraries have launched the summer reading program, "Have Book - Will Travel!" and are planning a host of activities for

  • Today's students compete using ancient skills

    "Add 6, add 9, subtract 10..."As the announcer read off his numbers, all that could be heard in the large hall was the sound of wooden abacus beads tapping and the scribbling of pencils from students rushing to find a solution.The event was the 31st Kanto Plains Department of Defense School Soroban

  • AF leaders remind force to be safe this summer

    With Memorial Day kicking off this year's Critical Days of Summer Safety campaign, Air Force senior leaders have asked Airmen to be as intense about safety as they are about accomplishing the mission.Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Mark Welsh, and the Chief Master

  • AF 7 Summits team scales Everest

    A group of Airmen with the Air Force Seven Summits team reached the highest point of the world, Mount Everest (29,035 ft.) just after 5 a.m. local time May 19. The success marks the first time a team of military members from any nation has reached the highest point on all seven continents: Mount

  • Hannah Dake wins Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship award

    Senior Hannah Dake was named the recipient of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's National Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award for the 2012-13 academic year, May 21.After winning the Mountain Region award last week, Dake was on the national ballot with 11 other regional winners.The

  • Airmen part of largest 'torchlight' parade to honor Armed Forces Day

    Airmen from Fairchild Air Force Base were part of one of the larget torchlight parades in the country when they helped celebrate Armed Forces Day May 18.  It was the 75th anniversary of Spokane's festival honoring both active duty and veteran members of the community.Established in 1938, the Spokane

  • Vance pilot makes AF rugby team

    An instructor pilot with the 8th Flying Training Squadron was selected for the Air Force Rugby team and will compete in the 2013 Collegiate Rugby Championship May 29 through June 3 in Philadelphia.Capt. John Lockard has been playing rugby since 2002 when he picked up the game during his time at the

  • Warrior Games 2013: Air Force wins 11 medals in track and field competition

    Air Force athletes took home one gold, four silver and six bronze medals in the Warrior Games 2013 Track and Field competition at the Academy's Outdoor Track Stadium May 14.Staff Sgt. Lara Ishikawa took first place in the Women's 100 Meter Open Relay, winning the Air Force's gold medal for the day.

  • 2 Airmen earn spots to compete on world stage of soccer

    Two Airmen from Lajes Field have earned the opportunity to participate in the 2013 International Military Sports Council (CISM) 1st World Football Trophy July 2 to 14.According to its official website, the International Military Sports Council is one of the largest multidisciplinary organizations in

  • Games proves not 'end of the world' for wounded Airman

    "It felt like the end of the world," said Scott Palomino, describing what it was like after being wounded when a mortar round exploded in his tent at Balad Air Base, Iraq, in 2004.Among his injuries was the loss of a leg, which was a serious blow to the El Paso, Texas, native who said he thrived on

  • EOD tech competes in Warrior Games

    Combat can take its toll on the body both physically and mentally, but for an Airman here his Warrior spirit is not limited by such things. For many wounded warriors, the tolls of combat could have diminished their abilities and reaction times, but the internal fire of the Warrior Spirit remains

  • Air Force Marathon half and 5K sell out

    The Air Force Marathon half marathon and 5K sold out last week.Several of the Air Force Marathon charity partners have half marathon slots available for interested runners. The full marathon is more than 80 percent full and organizers anticipate filling the rest of the slots within the next couple

  • Wounded Warrior proud to represent

    It has been a long journey from the swimming pool at Colorado's Greeley Central High School to proudly representing the Air Force in the lanes at this year's Warrior Games at the U.S. Air Force Academy. But for Senior Master Sgt. Martin Smith, operations superintendent for the 380th Space Control

  • Warrior Games 2013: AF cyclists win 3 medals

    Air Force cyclists took home three medals in the Warrior Games 2013 cycling competition at Falcon Stadium May 12.Maj. Scott Bullis of Peterson Air Force Base took first place in the men's recumbent cycle race to win the Air Force's first gold medal of this year's Warrior Games."This is my first

  • Airmen behind the scenes of Ironman 3

    Would it be the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat? This was the question on the minds of a select few members of the 916th Air Refueling Wing here as they waited in dark theaters this weekend to see if their faces graced the silver screen in "Iron Man 3," predicted to have the second largest

  • Weather barely slows 2 AF ultra-marathoners

    Two Eglin Air Force Base Airmen from the 96th Communications Squadron went for an early morning jog in the rain May 4 and did not stop until 7 p.m. that night, running more than 50 miles.Airman 1st Class Thomas Church and Senior Airman Chris Gauthier are ultra-marathoners. They were competing in the

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: Going for the Gold

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)On July 5, 2011, Senior Airman Gideon L. Connelly was involved in a motorcycle accident in Baltimore County with serious damage to his left leg. The

  • Funny car champion added to Wall of Achievers

    National Hot Rod Association Funny Car champion Jack Beckman was added to the U.S. Air Force Enlisted Heritage Hall's Wall of Achievers May 2 at Gunter Annex here."Fast Jack," as he is called by fans, is a former Air Force sergeant and avionics technician on the F-111D Aardvark. Beckman joins a

  • Warrior Games camp prepares Air Force team

    Athletes representing the Air Force during this year's Warrior Games participated in a week-long training camp here April 14-20.The Warrior Games, held May 11-16 at the U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Olympic Training Center, are a sport competition for sick and injured service members and veterans.

  • AF captain seriously injured during Boston Marathon blasts

    An Air Force captain stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base, outside of Boston, was one of the bystanders seriously injured during one of two devastating explosions that rocked the Boston Marathon on April 15.Capt. Adam K. Davis is a deputy IPT lead systems engineer with the Air Force Life Cycle

  • Airmen make progress in bid for Everest

    A team of Air Force mountaineers began their journey to ascend and summit Mount Everest recently as the final expedition of the independent U.S. Air Force Seven Summit Challenge. The team of six Airmen is underway on a 50-day journey to the highest mountain on earth, completing a project that began

  • Former Airman now NBA pro

    The court was shining and cameras flashing as a crowd of thousands gathered in the Sleep Train Arena to watch the Dallas Mavericks duel the Sacramento Kings April 5. Beale Airmen and 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander, Col. Phil Stewart gathered to witness the contest and meet former 9th Security

  • New resources promote fitness culture

    To help improve Total Force fitness levels, Air Force Personnel Center officials are fielding new fitness resources accessible online, in person or on DVD.These resources, including the Operational Fitness Program, Xtreme Wednesday Workouts, the Air Force Fitness DVDs and the Fitness on Request

  • Travel Channel brings 'magic' to Airmen

    Even with all that goes on one at Tyndall one of the last things expected to be seen here is magic tricks.The Travel Channel' s street magician, JB Benn, visited Tyndall on March 29. He and his crew filmed for their TV show "Magic Man," which focuses on Mr. Benn stunning the average by stander on

  • NBA team honors Milwaukee Airman

    The sign on the wall backstage at the BMO Harris Bradley Center, home to the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks, was explicit and unambiguous: "No hard soled shoes allowed on the court." Security staff and ushers lining the perimeter of the basketball court keep a close eye on anyone who got too close to the

  • From the Ground Up: Climbing to the Top of the World

    Six continents. Seven years. More than 100,000 feet climbed and next month, the USAF 7 Summits Challenge team is setting out to climb to the top of the world. At 29,035 ft., Mount Everest is the highest peak on Earth. If successful, six Airmen will become the first American military team to reach

  • Academy instructors receive Commendation Medals for life-saving efforts

    Two U.S. Air Force Academy chemistry instructors received Commendation Medals March 18 for helping save the life of a fellow hiker on Jan.26 in Manitou Springs, Colo.It was just another day for Maj. Thomas Heier and Capt. Benjamin Worker when they climbed the 8,590-foot Manitou Incline in

  • Airmen bike, run 465 miles in 48 hours

    A team of students, faculty and staff members from Air Command and Staff College hit the ground running and riding March 7 to raise money for the children of fallen special operations members. The team of 63 left Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., on a 465-mile, 48-hour run and bike relay to the finish

  • USO brings Peyton Manning to Airmen

    Super Bowl champion and current Denver Broncos' quarterback, Peyton Manning, along with other professional athletes and performers visited 380th Expeditionary Airmen here Feb. 28 as part of United Service Organizations-hosted tour. Navy Admiral James A. Winnefeld, Jr., the vice chairman of the Joint

  • Airman represents Air Force on, off court

    They say the third time's a charm; however, for one NCO assigned to Aviation Detachment 1, 52nd Operations Group, six seems to be his lucky number.Six is the number of times Tech. Sgt. Marico Gray, a contracting NCO, was selected for the Air Force basketball team, and six is the number of times he

  • Lazyman inspires participants to overcome obstacles

    Adapt and adjust.Tech. Sgt. Tawanna Sellars has heard those words countless times during her Air Force career. When Lt. Col. Robb Owens stepped into the 50th Space Wing Safety office a couple of weeks ago and announced he had signed every active-duty member of the office up for the base's Lazyman

  • AF Teen Council plans 2013 growth, development events

    How many times have you said, "Man, I'm so bored."? If you said it once, you've said it too many times. The Air Force Teen Council has many events planned this year that will get you on your feet, including four projects, collectively known as the 2013 Teen Movement Project. Designed to benefit

  • Air Force Hoops promotion tips off March 1

    Air Force bowling centers and golf courses will host an Air Force Hoops promotion during the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 Men's Basketball Championship Tournament from March 1 to April 8.Air Force Hoops, a free scratch-off game, gives participants the opportunity to win

  • Air Force announces NASCAR sponsorship for 2013

    The Air Force renewed its NASCAR partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports and the No. 43 car with driver Aric Almirola for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. "RPM's strong legacy in NASCAR and Almirola's values and character are a great fit for the Air Force and the type of recruits that we look

  • Service recruiters carry nation's colors for the 47th Super Bowl

    An Air Force recruiter is part of a Joint Armed Forces Color Guard that will present the nation's colors to kick off the Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes Benz Superdome here Feb. 3.The Joint Armed Forces Color Guard is composed of 10 recruiters from each branch who serve in New Orleans and the

  • Academy hosts Warrior Games sports camp

    Air Force wounded warriors are participating in a sports camp here through Feb. 2 in their quest to represent the Air Force in the 2013 Warrior Games.Fifty-four candidates are participating in the sports camp, which includes events such as track and field, basketball, volleyball, swimming,

  • Academy grad, reservist suits up for Super Bowl

    An Air Force Academy graduate and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver arrived in New Orleans Jan. 27 for Super Bowl XLVII.Chad Hall, an Air Force reservist, was signed to the 49ers practice squad Nov. 27 for scout team duty, wearing No. 14. He was released Dec. 14 as the team juggled its active and

  • Getting Airmen back in the 'Games'

    Many Airmen have served honorably in the Air Force, but due to wounds, illnesses or injuries are no longer able to serve in the capacities they did before. The Warrior Games gives those Airmen a chance to serve again.The games, scheduled for May 11-17 in Colorado Springs, are designed to introduce

  • Team of Airmen to attempt Mount Everest climb

    Four Air Force Academy graduates may be busy preparing to climb the world's highest peak in May, but they haven't forgotten where mountaineering first began for them: here, climbing Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks as cadets. A team of six seasoned Air Force mountaineers; currently stationed in

  • Through Airmen's Eyes: AF captain coaches ultra fitness while deployed

    (This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Six days a week, her iPhone alarm - a soothing instrumental melody - goes off at 4:10 a.m.She puts on her PT uniform, stops by her office to check

  • Air Force Marathon has record opening day registration

    The Air Force Marathon filled a third of its 15,000 runner slots on the first day of registration, breaking last year's registration opening record. More than 5,100 runners registered for the 2013 event on Jan. 1, taking advantage of special New Year's Resolution discounts that were available only

  • Falcons visit Fort Worth children's hospital

    Air Force Academy cheerleaders and football players helped spread some holiday cheer with patients and their families at Cooks Children's Medical Center Dec. 27 here.The Academy cadets, in town for the Armed Forces Bowl, took time out of their bowl game preparations and holiday vacations to visit

  • Air Force Marathon registration to open with special discount

    Registration for the 2013 Air Force Marathon will open Jan. 1, 2013, with special New Year's resolution discounts. The full and half marathons will be discounted by $10 Jan. 1. The 10K and 5K races will be discounted by $5."We encourage all participants to register as early as possible," said race

  • Air Force Academy, Colo. Springs to host 2013 Warrior Games

    The 2013 Warrior Games will be held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center and the Air Force Academy May 11-17, the U.S. Olympic Committee announced Monday.More than 200 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans are expected to participate in 2013, comprising five U.S. teams representing

  • Q&A: AF chief information officer on Cyber Summit

    Air Force leaders held a Cyber Summit in November at Joint Base Andrews, Md., to discuss the Air Force's role in cyberspace and to ensure the mission needs of the Air Force and joint warfighter are being met going forward.More than 30 senior leaders, including the secretary and chief of staff of the