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NATO Air Policing operations — U.S. Air Force News

Jan. 21, 2026
Air Force, Navy aircraft to fly over Super Bowl LX

The formation, featuring two Air Force B-1 Lancers and two F-15C Eagles, alongside a pair of Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets and two F-35C Lightning IIs is a symbol of the nation’s journey and independence.
Jan. 16, 2026
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.
Jan. 15, 2026
Boenisch assumes command of the 121st Maintenance Group

U.S. Air National Guard Col. Erika Boenisch assumed command of the 121st Air Refueling Wing Maintenance Group from Col. Lance Kollstedt during a change of command ceremony at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio, January 10, 2026.Col. Andrew Powers, 121 ARW commander, presided over
Jan. 15, 2026
Air Force Safety Center announces Unit Risk Forecasting tool

The tool utilizes over a decade of historical safety data, unit personnel data, predictive capabilities, and mitigation strategies developed by safety professionals to give commanders and decision makers a visual toolkit to minimize risk at the unit level.
Jan. 14, 2026
DAF launches National Mentoring Month event series

NMM showcases mentoring as an enterprise-wide imperative, empowering all Airmen and Guardians through a series of panels, events and interactive discussions to help them reach their fullest potential.
Jan. 14, 2026
U.S., Regional Partners Establish New Air Defense Operations Cell in Qatar

U.S. Central Command and regional partners opened a new coordination cell at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar to enhance integrated air and missile defense.
Jan. 14, 2026
MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters complete first operational ICBM convoy security mission

Two MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron conducted their first operational Minuteman III ICBM convoy, marking an important milestone in the modernization of AFGSC’s nuclear security operations.
Jan. 14, 2026
Illinois Guard, Portugal Formalize New State Partnership Agreement

The Illinois National Guard and the Ministry of National Defense of the Portuguese Republic held a ceremony Jan. 12 to officially establish a new State Partnership Program agreement between the two armed forces.
Jan. 13, 2026
Pennsylvania Guard, Côte d’Ivoire to Partner Through State Partnership Program

Pennsylvania National Guard and Côte d’Ivoire military officials announced Jan. 13 that the Pennsylvania National Guard has been selected to partner with Côte d’Ivoire through the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program.
Jan. 13, 2026
Total Force mobility leaders collaborate on readiness priorities at winter Phoenix Rally

The two-day event focused on collaborating on shared priorities including readiness, modernization, warrior culture and taking care of Airmen.
Jan. 12, 2026
AETC holds T-7A Red Hawk official arrival ceremony, marking new era in pilot training

AETC hosted an arrival ceremony Jan. 9, for the T-7A Red Hawk, the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation trainer aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the service’s effort to modernize pilot training.
Jan. 9, 2026
Air Force announces updates to dress and appearance regulation

The Air Force releases guidance on its dress and personal appearance policy Jan. 9 providing updated standards for Airmen.
Jan. 9, 2026
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.
Jan. 8, 2026
Nellis AFB to gain electronic warfare squadron

The Department of the Air Force has selected Nellis Air Force Base as the preferred and final location for the 562nd Electronic Warfare Squadron.
Jan. 8, 2026
Grand Forks AFB selected to lead Point Defense Battle Lab

Grand Forks AFB's 319th Reconnaissance Wing, with support from the 184th Wing, will lead ACC’s Point Defense Task Force – a larger C-sUAS effort in support of the DAF's initiative to develop and evaluate advanced technologies to defend installations from sUAS threats.
Jan. 8, 2026
DAF puts acquisition on wartime footing, implementing SECWAR's 'Warfighting Acquisition System'

The Department of the Air Force is aggressively implementing a new Warfighting Acquisition System.
Jan. 6, 2026
Air Force updates fitness test requirements

Changes from the September 2025 announcement include a shortened physical fitness diagnostic testing period to end in June and the option for either the 2-mile run or the 20-meter High Aerobic Multi-shuttle Run every six months.
Jan. 6, 2026
Air Force selects 640 in chief master sergeant promotion cycle; list posts Jan. 8

Air Force officials selected 640 Air Force senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant out of 2,445 eligible for a selection rate of 26.18 percent in the 25E9 promotion cycle.
Jan. 5, 2026
U.S. Forces deliver critical aid to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah

U.S. military forces delivered critical disaster relief to Sri Lanka following the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall on November 28.
Jan. 5, 2026
Human-machine teaming in battle management: A collaborative effort across borders

The 2025 series of the DASH-Machine Teaming marked a significant step forward in the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning by testing and refining AI’s potential to enhance battle management operations.
Jan. 5, 2026
AFCENT caps 2025 with decisive operations, strengthened partnerships across CENTCOM AOR

Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) closed out 2025 with a series of decisive victories, sustaining combat airpower against terrorist threats, expanding coalition integration across the USCENTCOM AOR, and advancing agile employment and base defense technologies to sharpen readiness and deterrence.
Jan. 2, 2026
Air Force Year in Photos

This year's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This annual feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Dec. 31, 2025
332nd ELRS conducts first hot-pit refuel with R-20 expeditionary refueling system

Airmen assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron conducted a hot-pit refueling operation using an R-20 expeditionary refueling system to support a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
Dec. 23, 2025
CSAF, CMSAF make inaugural visit to USAFE-AFAFRICA, meet with Ramstein Airmen

The visit wrapped up a seven-base trip across the USEUCOM and USCENTCOM areas of responsibility, providing both leaders an opportunity to engage with Airmen at all levels who are standing watch 365 days a year.
Dec. 23, 2025
CSAF, CMSAF connect with Airmen in CENTCOM AOR during holiday visit

The senior leaders recently concluded a multi-day visit to bases across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, engaging with service members assigned to Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), Dec. 18-22.
Dec. 22, 2025
CSAF and CMSAF connect with Airmen, partners in CENTCOM AOR during holiday visit

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach, accompanied by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe, recently concluded a multi-day visit to bases across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, engaging with service members assigned to Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), Dec.
Dec. 22, 2025
Air Force designates Northrop Grumman’s Talon prototype as YFQ-48A

The U.S. Air Force announces the designation of YFQ-48A as the Mission Design Series for Northrop Grumman’s Project Talon, a semi-autonomous prototype aircraft, underscoring the Air Force’s commitment to rapidly delivering next-generation capabilities.
Dec. 20, 2025
CSAF, CMSAF visit 48 FW, highlight mission priorities

The senior-leader visit kicked off a seven-base tour to meet with Airmen around the USEUCOM and USCENTCOM area of responsibility who stand watch 365 days a year.
Dec. 19, 2025
CENTCOM launches Operation Hawkeye Strike against ISIS in Syria

U.S. and partner forces commenced Operation Hawkeye Strike against ISIS in Syria in response to the attack on U.S. and partner forces.
Dec. 19, 2025
Hegseth, senior leaders honor military's top recruiters

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and other senior War Department officials honored the military's top recruiters during the inaugural Recruitment Excellence Forum at the Pentagon.
Dec. 19, 2025
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.
Dec. 19, 2025
2025 Spark Tank winner announced

A team from Barksdale AFB pioneered and prototyped a B-52 avionics pylon loading adapter using existing weapons-loading equipment to win the 2025 Spark Tank competition.
Dec. 18, 2025
OCD25 wraps up: delivering holiday cheer, supplies to Pacific islands

Operation Christmas Drop 2025 marks the 74th iteration, bringing together service members from the U.S., Canada, Japan, and South Korea for the Department of War’s longest-running humanitarian airlift mission.
Dec. 17, 2025
Pathfinders drive TOC-L innovation

Pathfinder units are playing a crucial role in the Air Force’s modernization of command and control, with the 752nd Operations Support Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base guiding the effort for the Tactical Operations Center-Light.
Dec. 17, 2025
Capstone 2025: Advancing AI for C2, dynamic targeting, coalition integration

The Shadow Operations Center-Nellis concluded its 2025 Experimentation Series with Capstone 2025, a pivotal event designed to enhance joint and coalition interoperability and accelerate progress in command-and-control modernization.
Dec. 16, 2025
DAF updates medical shaving profile guidance to align with Secretary of War grooming policy

The Department of the Air Force updated its medical guidance for shaving profiles to align with the Secretary of War’s grooming standards.
Dec. 12, 2025
NAVAIR releases V-22 comprehensive review findings

Naval Air Systems Command released the findings of a comprehensive review Dec. 12 on the V-22 Osprey aircraft flown by the Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy.
Dec. 12, 2025
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.
Dec. 10, 2025
B-52 Stratofortress completes ferry flight after radar modification

A B-52 Stratofortress, equipped with a modernized radar system, completed a significant milestone as part of the B-52 Radar Modernization Program, ensuring the bomber remains a vital component of U.S. airpower.
Dec. 10, 2025
JB Elmendorf-Richardson to gain 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron

JB Elmendorf-Richardson was selected to host air support ops. squadron.
Dec. 10, 2025
Jackson Barracks to gain ANG cyber operations squadron

Jackson Barracks has been selected as the preferred location for an Air National Guard cyber operations squadron
Dec. 10, 2025
24th CSAF Gen. Wilsbach’s First Letter to the Force

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach released his first letter to Airmen.
Dec. 9, 2025
Wolfe assumes role as 21st CMSAF

Chief Master Sgt. David R. Wolfe became the 21st Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force during an Assumption of Responsibility ceremony Dec. 8.
Dec. 5, 2025
T-7A Red Hawk lands at JBSA-Randolph

The U.S. Air Force’s first T-7A Red Hawk assigned to AETC arrived at the 12th Flying Training Wing, marking a major milestone in the modernization of pilot training.
Dec. 5, 2025
Air University streamlines CCAF, PME transcript requests

Air University is improving the transcript request process following the integration of the Community College of the Air Force into the Air University Student Information System.
Dec. 5, 2025
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.
Dec. 4, 2025
100th KC-46A Pegasus delivered to Travis AFB

AMC welcomed the 99th and100th KC-46A Pegasus aircraft delivered to the U.S. Air Force, during an arrival ceremony at Travis AFB.
Dec. 3, 2025
Thunderbirds aircraft incident

An F-16C Fighting Falcon from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds crashed during a training mission in California.
Dec. 3, 2025
USecAF visits Columbus AFB

Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier visited Columbus Air Force Base to engage with Airmen, gain insight into modernization initiatives, and reinforce the importance of readiness across the force.
Dec. 2, 2025
Air Force announces changes to officer developmental education

The Air Force announced updates, Dec. 2, to in-residence intermediate and senior developmental education for active-duty members.
Dec. 2, 2025
CSAF, leaders at all flying units step to the jet again

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach returned to the cockpit in America’s premier air supremacy platform, urging leaders to maintain the edge as the world’s greatest and most powerful Air Force.
Dec. 2, 2025
Hurricane Hunters wrap up 2025 season after flying into three Category 5 storms

The squadron flew 927.9 hours this year across the Atlantic, eastern Pacific and central Pacific basins, collecting critical data that improved forecasts, saved lives and once again, demonstrated the unit's no-fail mission.
Dec. 2, 2025
Update on recent DAF efforts

In a memorandum to commanders, the SecAF and CSAF said: “The Air Force must be prepared to fly and fix so we can fight and win. We will maintain this posture through increased focus on readiness and modernization in a commander-focused service.”
Dec. 2, 2025
AFCENT strengthens international partnerships through Ferocious Falcon 6

U.S. refueling and fighter aircraft from USAFCENT participated alongside five nations in Ferocious Falcon 6, a biennial Qatar-led exercise carried out to raise combat efficiency by building integrated command and control systems capable of achieving joint combat readiness.
Nov. 28, 2025
Former 480th EFS commander awarded Silver Star Medal

A former commander of the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron was awarded the Silver Star Medal during a presentation ceremony at the Pentagon.
Nov. 25, 2025
USAF, ROKAF ‘Top Cops’ meet on JBA

U.S. Air Force and Republic of Korea Air Force security forces leadership met to strengthen their relationship, exchange perspectives on shared regional security challenges and discuss commitment to exploring future training exchange opportunities.
Nov. 21, 2025
First stop as Chief of Staff of the Air Force: AFGSC

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach & his spouse, Cindy Wilsbach, visited AFGSC, Nov. 19, for immersions into the command’s mission & modernization programs.
Nov. 21, 2025
Astute financial management leads to $82.9 billion Fiscal Year 2025 execution

The Air Force Materiel Command closed out Fiscal Year 2025 executing $82.9 billion across its entire portfolio, demonstrating sound resource planning and astute financial management in support of Department of the Air Force and warfighter needs.
Nov. 21, 2025
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.
Nov. 21, 2025
US – Italian partnership supports USAF's future of Undergraduate Pilot Training Program

The U.S. Air Force and the Italian Air Force have partnered to execute an undergraduate flying training program Small Group Tryout at the International Flight Training School.
Nov. 19, 2025
McGhee Tyson ANGB will host KC-46A Pegasus MOB 7

The DAF has selected McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Knoxville, Tenn., as the preferred location to host the KC-46A Pegasus Main Operating Base 7, replacing all KC-135 Stratotankers to bring enhanced capabilities.
Nov. 19, 2025
Maintainers use innovative solutions for limited resources during Mosaic Tiger 26-1

Equipment is the lifeblood of the maintenance world; without equipment, the jets don't fly. So how do maintainers keep jets flying with limited resources?
Nov. 18, 2025
Wilsbach formally installed as 24th Air Force Chief of Staff

Gen. Ken Wilsbach was formally installed as the Department of the Air Force's highest ranking military leader Nov. 18.
Nov. 18, 2025
F-15Es complete historic forward operations from Diego Garcia

F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 336th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron have rotated out of Kadena Air Base, Japan, concluding a six-month deployment that included a groundbreaking three-month forward operation to U.S. Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia.
Nov. 6, 2025
Chief Master Sgt. David Wolfe named 21st Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force

Chief Master Sgt. David R. Wolfe was selected as the 21st Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force.
Nov. 4, 2025
Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach sworn in as 24th Air Force Chief of Staff

Gen. Ken Wilsbach was sworn into office as the 24th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.
Sept. 30, 2025
Help available for Airmen, Guardians, civilians to mitigate lapse in appropriations impact

Assistance to reduce the impact of the government shutdown on Airmen, Guardians, civilians and their families is available through various means.
Sept. 30, 2025
Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach nominated as 24th Air Force Chief of Staff

President Donald Trump has nominated Gen. Ken Wilsbach to serve as the twenty-fourth Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.
Sept. 30, 2025
Air Force broadens career development opportunities for Airmen through new developmental duties process

The Air Force has transformed its developmental duty process to offer Airmen more flexibility and control over their career while ensuring high-quality personnel fill positions critical to the future of the force.
Sept. 29, 2025
36th AS conducts HIRAIN with US Marines, enables bilateral operations

PACAF Airmen conducted a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Rapid Insertion training, enabling a bilateral live-fire exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
Sept. 29, 2025
Bushido Guardian 25: Trilateral exercise kicks off in the Pacific

The U.S. Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and Royal Australian Air Force commenced the first trilateral Exercise Bushido Guardian 25 at Misawa Air Base.
Sept. 26, 2025
Exercising at scale: What we’re learning

The DAF has been investing in its readiness and training with more sophisticated operational exercises, changes to enhance the rapid deployment of forces, and the regular exercise of mission command.
Sept. 26, 2025
AFA 2025: COMAMC emphasizes mobility force contributions, initiatives to maximize effectiveness in contested environments

Gen. Johnny Lamontagne, commander of Air Mobility Command, participated in a panel focused on the topic of “Exercising at Scale: What We’re Learning” at Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference.
Sept. 26, 2025
Pacific Air Forces commander emphasizes importance of C2 to operate at scale in the Pacific

The commander of Pacific Air Forces highlighted the importance of command and control during a panel discussion at the Air and Space Forces Association’s annual Air, Space and Cyber Conference.
Sept. 26, 2025
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.
Sept. 25, 2025
Space test program continues to expand, astronaut inspires future space test leaders

The Space Test Engineering graduate certificate is set to become a full master’s degree concentration, producing expert test leaders capable of developing and validating advanced space-based capabilities essential to maintaining the U.S.'s strategic advantage.
Sept. 25, 2025
PACAF command chief discusses the importance of building the military community

Chief Master Sgt. Katie McCool emphasized the impact of communities on military readiness as the Air Force prepares for future operational challenges, during a panel at the Air and Space Force Association’s Warfare Symposium.
Sept. 25, 2025
Air Force Reserve combat-capable, ready now force

Air Force leaders discussed enhancing readiness and generating combat forces during a panel discussion at the annual Air, Space and Cyber Conference.
Sept. 24, 2025
CMSAF letter to Airmen

CMSAF David A. Flosi releases a letter to Airmen.
Sept. 24, 2025
Cleaning up the battlefield: Altus Airmen take on CBRN training with Fort Sill

Airmen traveled to Fort Sill to support the U.S. Army’s 3-2 Air Defense Artillery Battalion in achieving its Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear training objectives.
Sept. 24, 2025
DAF BATTLE NETWORK ‘as lethal as ever,’ says C3BM leader

A few short days after celebrating three years leading the DAF BATTLE NETWORK effort, the Department of the Air Force Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management doubled down on its progress in delivering decision advantage for the warfighter.
Sept. 24, 2025
Air Force updates physical fitness program

In support of the “Culture of Fitness” initiative, the Air Force unveiled changes to its Physical Fitness Assessment and a new fitness program.
Sept. 23, 2025
War Department continues nuclear modernization

Modernizing the nuclear triad was discussed at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference.
Sept. 22, 2025
Meink stresses innovation, focus, funding to maintain air, space superiority

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink delivers his keynote address at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference.
Sept. 22, 2025
Allvin highlights readiness, charges Airmen to move at a pace to win

Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin delivers his keynote address at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference.
Sept. 22, 2025
US, Japan formalize SAMURAI project arrangement to advance AI safety in unmanned aerial vehicles

The U.S. Department of War and Japanese Ministry of Defense formalized a project arrangement Sept. 22 establishing the Strategic Advancement of Mutual Runtime Assurance Artificial Intelligence (SAMURAI) initiative.
Sept. 20, 2025
Air Force Marathon showcases endurance, spirit, legacy

On the grounds of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, more than 7,600 runners representing 50 states and 11 foreign countries, gathered Sept. 20 to take part in the 29th annual Air Force Marathon.
Sept. 19, 2025
C3BM celebrates third year with innovation, integration

The Department of the Air Force Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management is commemorating its third anniversary today, marking three years of leading the DAF’s C3BM modernization efforts.
Sept. 19, 2025
Air Force experiments with AI, boosts battle management speed, accuracy

The Air Force wrapped up the second Decision Advantage Sprint for Human-Machine Teaming, known as DASH 2, a fast-paced experiment exploring how AI can help operators make faster, smarter decisions in complex battlespaces.
Sept. 19, 2025
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.
Sept. 18, 2025
AMC highlights Rapid Global Mobility during USecAF visit

The visit allowed USTRANSCOM and AMC the opportunity to highlight how the commands are ready to project, maneuver and sustain the joint force anytime, anywhere in support of national objectives.
Sept. 18, 2025
DAF launches Culture of Fitness initiative

The initiative aims to reinvigorate a holistic culture of well-being that empowers Airmen and Guardians to be more dominant, agile and lethal through physical fitness.
Sept. 17, 2025
Decisive actions in cockpit earn 2024 Kolligian Trophy

CSAF awarded the Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy during a ceremony at the Pentagon. The honor recognizes aviators whose exceptional skill prevents or minimizes the impact of ﬂight mishaps.
Sept. 17, 2025
Air Force Reserve expands international partnerships across Europe

The tour advances the Reserve Allies and Partners Program's mission to build interoperable reserve capabilities and strengthen international partnerships in support of combatant commander priorities.
Sept. 16, 2025
Air University grants Newt Gingrich honorary degree

Air University awarded former speaker of the House and prominent American politician, historian and author, Newt Gingrich, an honorary doctorate.
Sept. 12, 2025
Final basing decision for Special Operations Wing to Davis-Monthan AFB, revisions to maximize effectiveness

The Department of the Air Force has selected Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, as the new location for the 492nd Special Operations Wing.
Sept. 12, 2025
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.
Sept. 12, 2025
Around the Air Force: Air Task Force Deployment, Explosive Ordnance Robotics, First Guardian Officer Graduates

In this week's look around the Air Force, the 11th ATF is the first to deploy during REFORPAC, the EOD Robot Depth-Perception System improves high-stakes missions, and the inaugural class of Guardian officers graduate from the year-long OTC.
Sept. 11, 2025
US Air Force announces arrival of second B-21 test aircraft at Edwards AFB

The DAF announced the arrival of the second B-21 Raider flight test aircraft marking a significant step toward operational readiness of the nation’s sixth-generation stealth bomber.
Sept. 11, 2025
Wright ANGB to gain ANG cyber operations squadrons

The DAF selected a location for two ANG cyber operations squadrons.