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

Sept. 25, 2022
NextGen 2.0 helmets on the way to security forces across DAF

The Air Force Security Forces Center is rolling out the NextGen 2.0 helmet later this year with several improvements.
Sept. 24, 2022
Special Warfare Training Wing strengthens inclusion

Modified facilities were built at the SWTW to ensure appropriate levels of privacy for mixed-sex cohorts of trainees at the Special Warfare Candidate Course, the course of initial entry for those who want to become Air Force Special Warfare Airmen.
Sept. 23, 2022
Defense Department moving ahead on recommendations to combat sexual assault

The DoD now has a framework in place to track the implementation and effectiveness of its efforts to stop sexual assault and harassment, which includes regular progress reviews through senior leadership forums.
Sept. 23, 2022
Around the Air Force: SECAF Talks Progress, Aid to Pakistan, Exercise Pitch Black Wraps

In this week’s look around the Air Force, Secretary Kendall focuses on personnel issues, Airmen bring aid to flood victims in Pakistan, and PACAF Airmen wrap their participation in Australia’s exercise Pitch Black.
Sept. 23, 2022
AF Week in Photos

The United States Air Force Honor Guard parades the country flags representing the international air chiefs in attendance at the Air Force 75th Anniversary Tattoo at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., Sept. 15, 2022. The parading of the flags symbolizes the unity and collective power the U.S. has built
Sept. 22, 2022
Austin pledges to 'ease the load' for service members

In a memo titled "Taking Care of Our Service Members and Families," Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III outlined efforts to address the needs of married service members and their families, as well as single service members.
Sept. 22, 2022
Air Force announces hypersonic missile contract award

The Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile is an air-launched, scramjet-powered hypersonic weapon designed to hold high-value targets at risk in contested environments from standoff distances.
Sept. 22, 2022
AF hosts International Air Chiefs Conference

The gathering exemplified the Air Force’s ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with allies and partners through meaningful conversation and information exchange.
Sept. 22, 2022
Air Force releases the ‘Purple Book’

The Air Force released the third book in its trilogy of foundational documents dedicated to developing Total Force Airmen.
Sept. 22, 2022
Air Guard director: We have to be ready today, we must be stronger tomorrow

Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, director of the Air National Guard stressed the need to be ready today and stronger tomorrow and that begins with operationalizing the National Defense Strategy.
Sept. 22, 2022
Win or die: AMC commander presents Mobility Manifesto

Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, presented his case for the state of air mobility to a packed audience of Airmen at the 2022 Air, Space and Cyber Conference, Sept. 21.
Sept. 22, 2022
PACAF command chief cements importance of enlisted leadership at AFA conference

PACAF’s senior enlisted leader underscored why partnership capacity and enlisted leadership at the lowest levels are key tenets in terms of maximizing lethality, interoperability and readiness.
Sept. 21, 2022
Communities in the Fight panel underscores importance of collaboration

The Air and Space Forces Association hosted a “Communities in the Fight” panel discussion at the AFA’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference at National Harbor Sept. 20.
Sept. 21, 2022
CMSAF announces ‘Purple Book,’ talks people, readiness, culture at AFA

Bass presented her keynote address and took pride in introducing the “The Joint Team,” commonly known as the Purple Book, which aims to help Airmen become better joint-minded service members.
Sept. 21, 2022
Air Force recruiters using new tools, new thinking to meet targets in difficult environment

As the head of recruiting for the Air and Space Forces, Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas is in a job that requires him to be pragmatic and creative and occasionally willing to test boundaries in the quest to meet never slacking personnel demands of the two services.
Sept. 21, 2022
The Air Force releases commemorative 75th Anniversary poster series

The collection spans decades showcasing major Air Force events, achievements and accomplishments that Airmen reached on the battlefield while overcoming social and economic obstacles.
Sept. 21, 2022
DAF COVID-19 Statistics - Sept. 21, 2022

Below are current coronavirus disease 2019 statistics for Department of Air Force personnel.
Sept. 21, 2022
Enlisted Assignment Working Group ‘Wins’

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass recently prompted the inception of the Enlisted Assignment Working Group with the intent for an overdue holistic review of the Department of the Air Force’s enlisted assignment program.
Sept. 21, 2022
Jones explains how DAF is preparing for global competition

As the nation increases its focus on strategic competition, Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones highlighted the imperative for the Department of the Air Force to stay ahead of the pacing challenges.
Sept. 21, 2022
PACAF boss speaks at AFA conference, emphasizes importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific

Wilsbach provided remarks as one of three panelists for a “Preparing for Global Competition” presentation, hosted a media roundtable on “Defending the Indo-Pacific Theater,” and hosted a think tank.
Sept. 21, 2022
Accelerating change by improving distributed, scalable battle management, expediting kill chain

The Tactical Operations Center-Light experiment was designed to continue development of future command and control concepts intended to expedite kill chains and improve distributed battle management.
Sept. 20, 2022
Cyclists ride more than 200 miles to honor Air Force’s 75th birthday

The inaugural Memorial to Memorial ride brought more than 90 cyclists from the Air Force and Space Force together over three days to celebrate the Air Force's 75th Anniversary.
Sept. 20, 2022
B-21 bomber to be unveiled first week in December

The Air Force confirmed today it plans to reveal the B-21 Raider in the first week of December during an unveiling ceremony hosted and sponsored by the Northrop Grumman Corporation at its production facilities in Palmdale, California.
Sept. 20, 2022
KC-46A cleared for worldwide deployments following first combat refuel

The KC-46A recently completed an employment concept exercise in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, during which it was evaluated while filling real-world taskings in support of combat operations, supplementing other tanker aircraft in theater.
Sept. 20, 2022
Space Force reveals official song: ‘Semper Supra’

The U.S. Space Force, the newest military branch established in 2019, has officially adopted its own song titled, "Semper Supra" that was unveiled during the 2022 Air Force Association Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, Sept. 20.
Sept. 20, 2022
AFCENT commander conducts first round of regional partner engagements

Building relationships within the force and with allies and partners, Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander, travelled across the USCENTCOM AOR to meet with U.S. embassy, coalition, regional, and U.S. military leaders.
Sept. 19, 2022
Brown cites Air Force history as fuel for accelerating change, meeting today’s complex security challenges

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. urged the Total Force Sept. 19 to focus intently, to move fast and “accelerate change” in reshaping the service to meet modern-day threats.
Sept. 19, 2022
Kendall draws direct connection to mission success, diverse, fulfilled, accomplished Total Force

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall addresses issues from personnel to recruiting and China during his keynote address at the annual Air, Space and Cyber Conference.
Sept. 19, 2022
DAF announces new integrating program executive officer, ABMS execution construct

The Department of the Air Force is establishing a new integrating program executive officer for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management, which will have the authorities required to ensure integration of all C3BM related programs throughout the DAF.
Sept. 18, 2022
Hurlburt Field wing takes ACE C2 to next level for lead wings

The 705th Training Squadron executed Air Combat Command’s first Lead Wing Command and Control Course at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Aug. 23-26
Sept. 17, 2022
F-15C Eagle fleet prepares to stand down after 50 years of vigilance

For 24 years, the F-15 Eagle has roared over the city of Klamath Falls, Ore., flying countless training missions and supplying air superiority pilots to the U.S. Air Force.
Sept. 16, 2022
Air Force Fall Tattoo: Celebrating 75 years of airpower

The military Tattoo is an historic tradition held worldwide, showcasing the excellence and readiness of service members
Sept. 16, 2022
AF Week in Photos

An Airman assigned to the 35th Security Forces Squadron responds to simulated aerial missile attacks during exercise Beverly Sunrise 22-06 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 31, 2022. The exercise is part of an effort to incorporate Agile Combat Employment, a proactive and reactive operational scheme
Sept. 16, 2022
Around the Air Force: AGR Changes, Officer Exchange, CENTCOM Bomber Task Force

In this week’s look Around the Air Force, changes are coming to the Active Guard and Reserve program starting Oct. 1, an officer exchange with Australia helps the U.S. Air Force get ready for new aircraft, and AFGSC takes part in a BTF mission over the Middle East.
Sept. 15, 2022
South Carolina Air National Guard wraps up exercise Relampago VII

The exercise focused on training techniques, tactics and procedures, and strengthening interoperability between the U.S. and Colombian air forces as allies under NATO standards.
Sept. 15, 2022
B-1s border Arctic for Baked Alaskan; enhance ACE practices

Two B-1B Lancers and approximately 50 Airmen assigned to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, engaged in an Agile Combat Employment exercise, Baked Alaskan, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Sept. 9-10.
Sept. 14, 2022
Aviano AB strengthens community relationships through English Teaching Program

This summer, volunteers taught English to Italian children in local middle and high schools, as well as two summer camps.
Sept. 14, 2022
Senate committee considers Saltzman’s nomination to be Chief of Space Operations

Lt. Gen. B. Chance Saltzman is considered by the Senate Armed Services Committee to be the next Chief of Space Operations Sept. 13.
Sept. 14, 2022
CSAF Leadership Library: September 2022

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. presents five new additions to the CSAF Leadership Library.
Sept. 13, 2022
305th AMW activates 911th ARS

The 911th Air Refueling Squadron is the Air Force's very first active-duty squadron that is located within a reserve wing.
Sept. 12, 2022
Pitch Black 2022 concludes international interoperability exercise

Approximately 110 U.S. Airmen from PACAF participated in Exercise Pitch Black 2022, the Royal Australian Air Force Chief of Air Force’s biennial capstone international engagement activity with forces drawn from a wide range of regional, coalition and allied nations.
Sept. 12, 2022
Virtual event kicks off Digital Agents of Change campaign

The Department of the Air Force Digital Transformation Office has launched a new initiative to recognize individuals across the enterprise who are driving change in the digital domain.
Sept. 11, 2022
Airmen train, deliver humanitarian aid to Honduras

Airmen with the 22nd Airlift Squadron and 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron delivered 90,000 pounds of aid to Honduras during a combined Major Command Service Tail Trainer Denton cargo mission.
Sept. 10, 2022
Air Force creates Special Warfare programs for ROTC, USAFA cadets

Air Force Special Warfare created a formalized special warfare cadet program to help Air Force ROTC and U.S. Air Force Academy cadets prepare to be special tactics, combat rescue, or tactical air control party officers.
Sept. 9, 2022
B-1Bs conduct CONUS to CONUS Bomber Task Force Mission in support of SOUTHCOM

During this mission, B-1 aircrews integrated with partner nations in the USSOUTHCOM AOR, air refueled with the support of MacDill AFB tankers, and countered illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing operations.
Sept. 9, 2022
AF Week in Photos

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, fly alongside Saudi Arabian Air Force F-15E aircraft during an Agile Combat Employment exercise within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Sept. 5, 2022. Joint training enhances international
Sept. 9, 2022
Around the Air Force: Increasing Officer Diversity, Inter-Pacific Air Forces Academy, Energy Resilience Exercises

In this week’s ATAF, new diversity and inclusion outreach plans are coming for officer recruiting efforts, allies and partners are creating a new Inter-Pacific Air Forces Academy for enlisted members in the Indo-Pacific region, and the first DAF regional energy resilience exercise takes place.
Sept. 8, 2022
WR-ALC master sergeant receives First Sergeant of the Year award

The 2021 Air Force First Sergeant of the Year award has been presented to a master sergeant in the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia.
Sept. 8, 2022
ACE provided by 317th AW during exercise Patriot Fury

Agile Combat Employment is a proactive and reactive operational scheme of maneuver executed within threat timelines to increase survivability while generating combat power.
Sept. 8, 2022
DAF COVID-19 Statistics - Sept. 7, 2022

Below are current coronavirus disease 2019 statistics for Department of Air Force personnel.
Sept. 8, 2022
Field ordering officers with HEART 22 enable mission success

The supplies and equipment bought with Overseas Humanitarian Disaster and Civic Aid funds are a large part of the impact the Health Engagements Assistance Response Team 2022 is making at the participating hospitals and on the patients in Guatemala and Honduras.
Sept. 7, 2022
Air, Space Force installations seek mediators to help with conflict resolution

The Department of the Air Force is seeking mediators for conflict resolution as an alternative solution to litigation for workplace conflicts.
Sept. 7, 2022
DAF counters insider threat risks

Insider threat awareness keeps everyone affiliated with DoD to do their part in keeping installations, information, resources and personnel safe.
Sept. 7, 2022
Airman accelerates change through persistence, develops tool for RPAs

Master Sgt. Bridget Carroll reduced cargo taken on an MQ-1 Predator alert package with the creation of a “bird-in-a-box” later known as the Digital Aircraft Link Emulator, or DALE.
Sept. 7, 2022
US, Germany, Australia air forces’ generals share airspace together

The desire to build upon foundational multilateral capabilities is paramount to international cooperation in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. Leaders often set the example for the development of international relationships.
Sept. 7, 2022
AGR program changes on the horizon

Air Force Reserve Command is instituting changes to the Active Guard and Reserve program effective Oct. 1.
Sept. 7, 2022
52nd FW first in AF to upgrade F-16s with AESA radar systems

The AESA upgrade provides F-16s enhancement in combat capabilities, improving pilot effectiveness, air defenses and overall aircraft survivability when faced by enemy forces.
Sept. 6, 2022
Senior leader announcement: Week of Sept. 6

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall announced the following senior leader retirement and assignment.
Sept. 6, 2022
US, partners conduct Middle East BTF through air, land, sea

United States ground and naval units, as well as coalition and regional partner air forces executed a Bomber Task Force mission across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Sept. 4.
Sept. 4, 2022
Shaw AFB accelerates ACE abilities during Iron Hand

Exercise Iron Hand 22-09 was developed as a proof of concept for Airmen to train in a contingency location in an unfamiliar geographic situation.
Sept. 3, 2022
Joint Battle Labs assess DARPA program, reduce joint-fires execution time

In partnership with the Army and Air Force, ASTARTE is a DARPA-sponsored program designed to enable efficient and effective airspace operations and deconfliction in a highly congested battlespace.
Sept. 2, 2022
SECAF visits PACAF Airmen, emphasizes Air Force priorities

During his tour, Kendall reinforced the National Defense Strategy tenet of deterring aggression, while being prepared to prevail in conflict when necessary, prioritizing the importance of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command theater.
Sept. 2, 2022
AF Week in Photos

An F-15E Strike Eagle departs after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over the northeastern United States, Aug. 24, 2022. The F-15E is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with an array of avionics and electronics systems that give it the capability
Sept. 2, 2022
Around the Air Force: Improving Battle Management, Grey Wolf Milestone, Faster CCAF Transcript

In this week’s ATAF, experimentation with Tactical Operations Center-Light helps develop future battle management concepts, the Grey Wolf flies for the first time with an all-Air Force crew, and the CCAF provides student transcripts faster with a new service. (Hosted by Tech. Sgt. Britt Crolley)
Sept. 2, 2022
Remembering Flying Tiger Flight 923

Flying Tiger Flight 923 may not be a well-known story; however, it is a story military history should never let die. As the Air Force celebrates its 75th anniversary, now is the best time to look back and reflect on aviation moments like this.
Sept. 1, 2022
Kendall receives mission transformation, software innovation updates at Robins AFB

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall visited Robins AFB to receive new mission updates and see some of the innovative advances being made with education and industry.
Sept. 1, 2022
AFRS highlights BMT in re-released 4K docuseries ‘Basic’

“Basic,” an eight-part, re-released docuseries shot in high-definition 4K resolution, presents the trainees' perspective as they recount their experiences about why each of them left home to join a fighting force of more than 329,000 Airmen currently serving.
Sept. 1, 2022
Global College of PME now taking new officer distance learning enrollments

The distance learning programs have been closed for enrollments and graduations in support of the Air University-wide transition to the new Learner Environment Design-Student Information System.
Aug. 31, 2022
ACC Federal Laboratory flies combat apps on F-22 with new open software stack

The achievement is the first instance of third-party software running on a fifth-generation fighter and the first in-flight use of open-source container orchestration software on any fighter aircraft.
Aug. 31, 2022
DAF COVID-19 Statistics - August 2022

Below are current coronavirus disease 2019 statistics for Department of Air Force personnel.
Aug. 30, 2022
One year later, historic Afghan airlift inspires pride and reflection across the Air Force

The efforts of the U.S. Air Force during the withdrawal from Afghanistan creates a portrait that is remarkable in its scope, reach and complexity.
Aug. 30, 2022
DAF leads the way on Women, Peace and Security Program

The Department of the Air Force Women, Peace and Security Program recently reached major milestones by participating in the Department of Defense Gender Advisor training in May.
Aug. 30, 2022
T-38 Talon Repair Inspection and Maintenance program launches at JBSA-Randolph

The T-38 Talon will undergo Talon Repair Inspection and Maintenance, or TRIM, modification to perform localized depot-level maintenance to replace or repair key parts to keep these valuable training platforms mission ready.
Aug. 30, 2022
DAF commissioning sources to develop initiatives to increase applicant pool diversity

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall has directed Air and Space Force officer commissioning sources to develop diversity and inclusion outreach plans by Sept. 30 to achieve updated applicant pool demographic goals.
Aug. 29, 2022
The National Guard: Truly at the heart of it all

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. spoke with National Guard leaders and discussed how the service is transforming.
Aug. 29, 2022
Air Force demonstrates defense-wide leadership through energy resilience readiness exercises

ERREs are helping the DAF address challenges brought about by asymmetric threats to enabling systems like energy and water, changes to the global climate, and increasing complexity and interdependency of missions and infrastructure.
Aug. 28, 2022
CSAF visits Indo-Pacific bases, stresses importance of DoD’s priority theater

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. recently traveled to locations across the Department of Defense’s priority theater, reinforcing U.S. and U.S. Air Force commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific..
Aug. 27, 2022
2022 Warrior Games: A look back

The Warrior Games is a Paralympic-style adaptive sports event showcasing the power of adaptive sports as part of recovery and the overall long-term resiliency of wounded, ill and injured service members from around the DoD.
Aug. 27, 2022
AFSC bases continue advances to support pregnant, nursing Airmen

Efforts to expand support of working mothers across Air Force Sustainment Center bases continue, including access to lactation rooms and pods, reclassification of wireless breast pumps to allow entrance into secure areas and easy access to maternity uniforms.
Aug. 26, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Aug. 26, 2022
Around the Air Force: B-52s in Europe, Pacific Angel, Distant Horizon

In this week’s look around the Air Force, B-52 Stratofortresses are in Europe as part of the Bomber Task Force mission, exercise Pacific Angel comes to Malaysia to improve interoperability, and exercise Distant Horizon tests the 920th Rescue Wing. (Hosted by Staff Sgt. Kahdija Slaughter)
Aug. 25, 2022
In reflection: A look back at Operation Allies Refuge

August marks the one-year anniversary of Operation Allies Refuge, the largest non-combatant evacuation operation in U.S. history to date. A photo retrospective of the event and the service members who moved heaven and Earth to finish the mission.
Aug. 25, 2022
Pacific Angel 22-2 strengthens ties with Indo-Pacific allies, partners

Pacific Angel is a multilateral exercise bringing together more than 370 participants from six countries to foster cooperation and interoperability during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
Aug. 25, 2022
Air Force releases staff sergeant/22E5 promotion cycle statistics

Air Force officials have selected 9,706 senior airmen for promotion to staff sergeant, out of 45,991 eligible, for a selection rate of 21.1% in the 22E5 promotion cycle, which includes supplemental promotion opportunities.
Aug. 24, 2022
Airman’s innovation saves time, money

One 100th Maintenance Squadron Airman has invented a new boom cover tool that has the potential to save the U.S. Air Force 40,000 man-hours and approximately $1 million per year.
Aug. 24, 2022
Grey Wolf flies with all-Air Force crew for first time

The MH-139A Grey Wolf flies its first sortie since the Air Force took over ownership of the aircraft Aug. 12. It marked the first all-Air Force personnel flight in the Air Force’s newest helicopter.
Aug. 23, 2022
Seymour Johnson Reserve philanthropist develops e-course to help others fly

Her journey to become an Air Force pilot took years, and she flew all around the world to reach her goal, but Capt. Kristin Bodie took the things she has learned and developed an online course to help others find their path more easily.
Aug. 23, 2022
DAF commemorates National Water Quality Month

The Department of the Air Force has been increasingly focused on the important role of water in the DAF’s ability to achieve the mission to fly, fight, and win in air, space, and cyberspace.
Aug. 22, 2022
Eligible Airmen, Guardians have access to more monkeypox vaccines

The Department of Defense is increasing its supply of the approved monkeypox vaccine, JYNNEOS, which allows for more Airmen and Guardians at higher risk for transmission to access preventive measures to keep themselves safe.
Aug. 21, 2022
Air Force ‘Celebrating Traditions’ with annual photo contest

Two weeks remain to submit photos for this year's Department of the Air Force Photo Contest.
Aug. 20, 2022
CCAF electronic transcripts now available, faster delivery time

Community College of the Air Force students can now order their transcripts electronically and have them processed within a week instead of what usually took up to 45 days.
Aug. 19, 2022
AF Week in Photos

This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
Aug. 19, 2022
Around the Air Force: Senior Enlisted Summit, Reapers at RIMPAC, F-22s in Poland

In this week’s look around the Air Force, international senior enlisted leaders from around the world come together to focus on the high-end fight, the MQ-9 Reaper debuts in Rim of the Pacific exercise, and F-22s from Alaska are in Poland to conduct Air Shielding missions.
Aug. 18, 2022
2023 Air Force Learning Professionals’ Consortium call for topics now open

The theme of the 2023 event is, “Imagine – Create – Innovate,” with a focus on development of the community of knowledgeable and committed learning professionals.
Aug. 18, 2022
Air Force experiments to expedite kill chain, improve battle management

The TOC-L event was designed to continue U.S. Air Force development of future battle management concepts intended to expedite kill chains and improve distributed control.
Aug. 17, 2022
Exercise Distant Horizon validates Indo-Pacific sustainment functions

Distant Horizon is an annual exercise that prepares the 920th Rescue Wing’s Personnel Recovery Task Forces for global, war, contingency, humanitarian, and in extremis operations.
Aug. 17, 2022
Exercise becomes reality: MQ-9A Reaper responds to ship fire

The remotely piloted aircraft, assigned to the 163rd Attack Wing, responded to the scene of a ship fire during a training exercise in the world's largest international maritime exercise.
Aug. 16, 2022
DoD releases first departmentwide social media policy 

The Defense Department released a policy that spells out how DoD military and civilian personnel should use official social media accounts to best advance the mission of the U.S. military and further instill trust in the credibility of the DoD. 
Aug. 16, 2022
‘Wolf 46’ returns to visit the Pack

During the visit, Brown hosted an all-call, where, among other topics, he touched on the Air Force’s role in the National Defense Strategy and the importance of innovation and recognized individual Airmen from across the Wolf Pack for their achievements.
Aug. 15, 2022
In assessing his first year, Kendall sees achievement but many challenges ahead

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall reflects on his first year on the job.