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Archive for September, 2025

Final Basing Decision for Special Operations Wing to Davis-Monthan AFB, Revisions to Maximize Effectiveness

Monday, September 15th, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

The Department of the Air Force has selected Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, as the new location for the 492nd Special Operations Wing.

Originally announced in August 2023, the plan to establish the 492nd SOW at Davis-Monthan AFB has been refined to prioritize mission effectiveness, cost efficiency and alignment with Air Force and Department of War priorities.

Following the required environmental analysis, these previously announced units will relocate to Davis-Monthan AFB:

• Headquarters, 492nd Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida

• 492nd Special Operations Theater Air Operations Squadron at Duke Field, Fla.

• 319th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

• Air Combat Command Intelligence Squadron, new activation

Additionally, as part of a refined plan, Davis-Monthan AFB is identified as the preferred location for the following units as part of the 492nd SOW:

• 34th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

• 20th Special Operations Squadron and 20th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico

The Air Force will begin the required environmental analysis on proposed changes beginning fall 2025.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Darley Named One of the Best Places to Work in Chicago

Sunday, September 14th, 2025

ITASCA, IL – September 12, 2025 – Darley, a leading provider of defense, fire, and emergency services equipment, is proud to announce it has been selected as one of the Best Places to Work in Chicago by Crain’s Chicago Business.

To earn this recognition, Crain partners with Workforce Research Group, an independent firm that manages employee engagement surveys, to conduct the research and provide us with a ranked list. The rankings are based on a calculation that involves the weighting of your employee survey (80%) and your employer questionnaire (20%). 

Paul Darley, President & CEO of Darley comments, “We’re honored to be recognized through a process that thoughtfully weighs both employee feedback and organizational input. Partnering with an independent research firm ensures the integrity of the rankings and reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering a workplace where people feel valued and engaged.”

Learn more on our websites: www.darley.com and shop.darley.com.

Galls Acquires Uniform Works, Expands Into Canada

Sunday, September 14th, 2025

LEXINGTON, KY—September 9, 2025 —GALLS®, the leading uniform and tactical gear supplier serving America’s public safety and military professionals, has announced a strategic acquisition that marks GALLS’®expansion into Canada. GALLS® is now Proud To Serve Those Who Serve in both the US and Canada.

“With Uniform Works’ trusted reputation in Canada, the move brings together two mission-driven organizations dedicated to serving law enforcement, fire, EMS, and security professionals with the uniforms and gear they need when they need it. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for GALLS®, and we take our brand and our commitment to public safety across the border,” said Mike Fadden, GALLS® CEO. “Will Melnyk and his team have built an impressive company with values that align with ours, along with that passion for serving heroes that keep us all safe. Will and team will stay on to lead GALLS® Canada, so our Canadian customers will get the best of both worlds, the trusted service of Will and his team with the Galls eQuip solution and the power of the industry leader.”

Will Melnyk said, “Uniform Works has always been guided by integrity, service, and relationships, and those values have shaped our reputation as a trusted partner to first responders across Canada for more than two decades. Becoming GALLS®’ first acquisition in Canada is an important milestone; one that underscores both the strength of what we have built and the opportunity ahead. We are especially excited to bring GALLS®’ unparalleled eQuip platform to the Canadian market, as it will provide our customers with new levels of efficiency, convenience, and service. This partnership ensures that Uniform Works will continue to grow while delivering greater value and expanded solutions to the Canadian public safety community.”

With over 50 years of experience serving over one million public safety professionals annually, GALLS® continues to grow as the trusted source for public safety and military uniforms, gear, and equipment. Integrating Uniform Works with GALLS® will provide Canadian customers access to GALLS®’ extensive curated inventory, exclusive customizable agency solutions, and relentless customer focus.

Savox Communications and Nokia Announce Agreement to Explore Joint Development of Tactical Communications Solutions

Sunday, September 14th, 2025

Espoo, Finland – September 12, 2025 – Savox Communications Oy Ab (Ltd) (Savox) and Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy (Nokia) today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of joint solutions in the defense communications space.

By combining their technical expertise, Savox and Nokia aim to create innovative solutions for tactical communications that provide unmatched connectivity, speed, and reliability for mission-critical operations. Under the agreement, this collaboration will explore:

Enhanced Connectivity: Leveraging 5G and 6G networks to provide seamless and ultra-fast communication channels for tactical operations, ensuring real-time data exchange and improved situational awareness.

Advanced Solutions: Developing innovative solutions that combine the strengths of both companies, such as secure communication devices, advanced encryption technologies, and robust network infrastructure.

Global Reach: Expanding the reach of tactical communication solutions to global markets, enabling defense and security forces worldwide to benefit from state-of-the-art technology and enhanced operational capabilities.

“By integrating Savox mission-critical audio, command and control solutions with Nokia´s advanced networks, we will deliver reliable, scalable communications tailored for the most demanding operations,” said Jerry Kettunen, CEO at Savox.

“Nokia is committed to innovation and excellence in communications technology,” said Giuseppe Targia, Head of Space and Defense, Nokia. “We look forward to working with Savox to create new and innovative solutions that will benefit our customers and the industry as a whole.”

AFSOC Stands Up 31st Air Task Force

Sunday, September 14th, 2025

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – Air Force Special Operations Command activated the 31st Air Task Force July 15 and marked the milestone with a stand-up and assumption of command ceremony Sept. 12 at Hurlburt Field.

The ceremony presided over by U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael Martin, AFSOC deputy commander, marked the official activation of AFSOC’s second ATF. U.S. Air Force Col. Brad M. Dvorak assumed command, and Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Greiner will serve as the command chief.

“We are activating the next Air Force unit of action,” said Martin. “This unit is deliberately integrated, self-sufficient, and ready to bring airpower anywhere in the world.”

ATFs are limited-scale, experimental units designed to provide combat capabilities to the Joint Force. As the Air Force transitions away from the Expeditionary Air Base model, ATFs serve as a step toward the Air Force’s long-term design for building fully ready, taskable units prepared to compete and win.

“We have been what the nation needed us to be for the last 20 years,” said Martin. “This is the next chapter in how the Air Force meets the next threats and challenges globally.”

Airmen assigned to the ATF will align with the Air Force Force Generation cycle, deploying as cohesive units rather than aggregating personnel from multiple installations. The deliberate cycle fosters unit familiarity and provides clearer assessments of Air Force capacity to the joint force.

“You won’t find a better integrated group of Airmen working across mission lines, united by a shared vision and forged through incredible community support,” said Dvorak.

The stand-up of the 31st ATF reflects a service-wide effort to build teams capable of delivering integrated capabilities to combatant commanders while strengthening the Air Force’s long-term force design.

“In short order, we’re bringing air superiority any time, any place, anywhere,” said Dvorak. “Chief Greiner and I are so grateful to lead such a talented group of individuals.”

The Department of the Air Force has designated seven ATFs across the service as part of this force presentation initiative. ATFs mark a key stage in the Air Force’s continuing path to modernization and readiness, ensuring the service is postured to outpace emerging threats.

Story by 2nd Lt Rachel Heck | 1st Special Operations Wing

Nokia and KONGSBERG Sign Agreement to Advance Defense Communications with 5G Technology

Saturday, September 13th, 2025
  • Collaboration combines the companies’ expertise in tactical communications and mobile networks to deliver advanced capabilities to defense forces and allied nations.
  • Focuses on deployable 5G solutions for field operations today, while exploring future technologies like 6G to boost situational awareness and military readiness

Espoo, Finland, September 11, 2025

Nokia and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG), Norway’ leading defense technology provider, specializing in advanced systems across land, sea, air, and space domains, today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on enhancing tactical communications solutions for the defense sector. The agreement brings together KONGSBERG’s expertise in military tactical communications and Nokia’s leadership in commercial 4G, 5G, and private wireless technologies to deliver secure, resilient, and high-performance networks for defense organizations and allied nations.

The collaboration will aim to simplify the deployment of 5G in tactical systems, enhancing reliable and interoperable battlefield communications. It will also explore opportunities including tactical 5G capabilities, integration with unmanned systems and sensors, and participation in European Defense Fund initiatives like 5G COMPAD and the Federated Advanced Cyber Physical Test Range (FACT) program. Longer term, the companies will look at future technologies such as Nokia’s 6G “network as a sensor” (Integrated Sensing and Communication) to enhance situational awareness and military readiness.

“By combining KONGSBERG’s tactical communication assets with Nokia’s leadership in industry-standard technologies, we can speed up the use of civilian telecom solutions in defense. Together, we’ll explore how 5G and 6G can support the developing connectivity requirements in tactical systems, from secure voice and real-time data to unmanned systems and advanced sensors,” said Kjetil R. Myhra, EVP Defence Systems at Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

“Many of our products in Nokia are inherently dual-use, serving both commercial and military needs. This collaboration with KONGSBERG underscores our commitment to providing advanced, secure and fast 5G mobile networks and integrating Nokia’s Banshee radio portfolio to strengthen operations capabilities for a range of tactical scenarios,” said Giuseppe Targia, Head of Space and Defense at Nokia.

American Rheinmetall Invests $31.7M in Michigan to Accelerate US Defense Modernization and Strengthen National Industrial Base

Saturday, September 13th, 2025

American Rheinmetall announced today a $31.7 million investment in its Michigan facilities, reinforcing its commitment to advancing U.S. defense capabilities, strengthening domestic supply chains, and expanding the skilled U.S. manufacturing workforce. The investment includes a move to a state-of-the-art, 168,056 sq. ft. facility in Auburn Hills, MI that will consolidate existing operations in Troy and Sterling Heights, and the creation of 450 new jobs across the enterprise, further demonstrating the company’s commitment as a hub for next-generation defense innovation.

This strategic investment positions American Rheinmetall to provide enhanced support for critical U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) programs, including the U.S. Army’s XM30 combat vehicle program, where the company is one of two prime contractors competing to deliver the Army’s next-generation combat vehicle platform to replace the M2 Bradley.

“This expansion represents a major step forward in strengthening our ability to deliver critical defense technologies to the U.S. military,” said Matt Warnick, CEO of American Rheinmetall. “It’s a direct investment in American manufacturing capacity and the skilled workforce that powers it.”

While the primary focus of the investment and new facility is on advanced defense products, American Rheinmetall’s capabilities also extend to the broader manufacturing sector—including precision components used in agricultural and commercial machinery. These products support American farmers by improving equipment durability, efficiency, and sustainability.

“Our Michigan operations are central to our U.S. growth strategy—not only in defense but across a range of markets where performance and reliability matter,” added Warnick. “From the battlefield to the heartland, we’re proud to support the industries that underpin national security and economic strength.”

The expansion directly supports national defense priorities by accelerating the modernization of U.S. military capabilities. It also bolsters industrial resilience by expanding domestic production capacity, not only in defense but across critical manufacturing sectors. The investment contributes to workforce development by creating 450 new jobs with highly competitive starting wages and benefits that are above the regional median wage. This initiative enhances the security of U.S. supply chains and reinforces the vital connection between national defense, economic strength, and the domestic manufacturing industrial base.

The new Auburn Hills site was selected after a competitive process involving eight other states. The decision was supported by the State of Michigan, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and local partners.

Michigan’s deep engineering talent and strong heritage in defense and heavy equipment manufacturing made it the ideal location to deepen the company’s roots.

This investment follows American Rheinmetall’s recent acquisition of Loc Performance Products, another Michigan-based defense supplier, further enhancing the company’s ability to deliver integrated, scalable solutions across its defense portfolio.

Thunder Dome: Looking Back, Powering Forward with AFSOC Innovation

Saturday, September 13th, 2025

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —  

Air Force Special Operations Command continues to champion innovation with its third annual Thunder Dome Innovation Competition scheduled this fall. Beyond the competition, the program’s success is measured by the real-world impact of its funded projects.

Every year, the competition solicits project submissions from Airmen across the AFSOC enterprise that can positively benefit readiness. Once reviewed, senior leaders select the teams with the best proposals to present in front of a judging panel. The command awards the winners with funding to develop their concepts into tangible solutions.

As we prepare for the next Thunder Dome competition, here’s a look at the progress of past winners and their ongoing projects:

From Prototype to Production: The LaraCota Comm Cord Tester

Funded through the 2024 Thunder Dome competition, the LaraCota Comm Cord Tester introduced by a member of the 27th Special Operations Wing, progressed from prototype to mass production upon additional evaluation at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.

K-RATH: A Collaborative Approach to Innovation

K-RATH, developed by the 492nd SOW, received an initial Thunder Dome award for prototype development. Further funding secured collaborations with Michigan Technological University students for engineering testing and product design by Nottingham Spirk, with support from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. The next stage for the project is further prototype development.

Enhancing Training Capabilities: The Electrical Training Board and Specialized Fueling Trainer

The 2025 Thunder Dome competition funded two projects focused on training. The 353rd SOW at Yokota Air Base received an investment to develop an Electrical Training Board, coordinating with Air Education and Training Command; while the 492nd SOW was awarded funding for a Specialized Fueling Trainer, currently under further prototype development with SOFWERX.

These featured innovations offer just a glimpse into the outcomes of the Thunder Dome competition. By empowering Air Commandos with funding, resources, and a platform to share ideas, AFSOC fosters a culture of continuous improvement with its annual Thunder Dome program.

Voting for the 2026 Thunder Dome Innovation Competition is now open and runs through September 26th. Select the best game-changing ideas to solve our toughest challenges, your vote will help determine the finalists.

Use this link to set up your DoD-Registered account and cast your three votes for the most impactful ideas. Every Air Commando voice matters!

Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs