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LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFNS) —
On June 17th, Gen. Ken Wilsbach thought he had successfully flown his last sortie in the F-22 Raptor, but on Nov. 24th, he returned to the cockpit in America’s premier air supremacy platform.
“Every opportunity to step to the jet is a great privilege,” Wilsbach said. “For leaders of flying units, being current and qualified builds credibility and demonstrates leading from the front.”
Hours after Wilsbach assumed the duties of Chief of Staff of the Air Force, he encouraged commanders and leaders of all flying units to maintain or regain active flying status in their primary mission design series—the aircraft to which they are primarily assigned.
“Air superiority is not a given, it must be earned every day,” Wilsbach urged. “To maintain our edge as the world’s greatest and most powerful Air Force, our warfighting abilities must be constantly honed.”
As Americans heard the story of their Air Force flawlessly executing the bombing run on Iranian nuclear facilities this summer, the skill of the entire Air Force enterprise was on clear display.
Alongside the bombers of Air Force Global Strike, which dropped bombs during Operation Midnight Hammer, Air Combat Command is the primary force provider of combat airpower and vital to America’s defense strategy.
“Flightline operations is both the hardest and most important thing we do,” said ACC Commander Gen. Adrian Spain. “You can’t truly understand the ecosystem of the flightline unless you’re out there on it … seeing how support, operations, and maintenance come together in real time. As a senior leader, I need that firsthand awareness to recognize where the balance is fragile and where roadblocks exist, so that I can help clear them. Flying and experiencing that flightline convergence also enables a visceral sense of our battlefield standards that keep our Air Force ready to fight and win.”
In a contest with a peer adversary, flying acumen and experience across the Total Force will be indispensable.
Mobility aircrews enable the joint force to overcome the tyranny of distance when operating under mission type orders in anti-access, area denial scenarios while facing increased operational risk.
“The touchpoints with Airmen when stepping to the aircraft, running your checklists, and executing the mission deliver insights not found in a slide deck or a headquarters building,” said Commander of Air Mobility Command Gen. Johnny Lamontagne. “Remaining current isn’t just about flying an aircraft, it’s about experiencing the latest tactics, techniques and procedures, and the challenges our Airmen must overcome as we face an evolving, contested strategic environment.”
Special operations aircrews must be prepared to conduct battlefield air operations, agile combat support; information operations, precision strike, specialized air mobility, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, and more.
On preparing for these mission sets, Air Force Special Operations Command Commander Lt. Gen. Michael Conley said, “Flying keeps me connected to the mission, and more importantly, our Air Commandos. Training alongside them reinforces my trust in the aircraft, our crews, our maintainers, and everyone who plays a role in ensuring we’re ready to fight. As the commander, it also provides me firsthand perspectives of the challenges and opportunities we face in delivering specialized airpower where the nation needs it.”
Readiness in every MDS [Mission Design Series] for every mission begins with realistic, world-class training. From the first time on the stick to track selection, from undergraduate pilot and navigator to loadmaster, boom operator and aerial gunner training, and from weapons school to test pilot school, Air Education and Training Command facilitates it all.
“Our Airmen expect leaders that are grounded in the realities of the daily mission,” said AETC Commander Lt. Gen. Clark Quinn. “While flying is just one part of our mission, it provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with the Total Force team that fly, fix and support our operations. Briefing, flying and debriefing with our teams ensures I see firsthand the challenges our instructors and students face every day and the effort our maintenance teams put in to keep our aircraft mission ready.”
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
FALLS CHURCH, Va. —
The Department of the Air Force updated its medical guidance for shaving profiles, Dec. 15, 2025, to align with the Secretary of War’s grooming standards.
Effective Jan. 31, 2026, all shaving profiles issued before March 1, 2025, are invalid. Airmen and Guardians who have medical shaving profiles issued prior to March 1, 2025, should schedule an appointment with a military health care provider for further evaluation before the January deadline.
Additionally, the Dec. 15, 2025, memorandum equips primary care providers, medical profile officers and unit commanders with guidance to inform their decision to recommend and approve or deny a medical shaving profile.
Key updates
Primary care manager role – recommend
Profile officer role – review
Commander role – approve
Airmen and Guardians who have or are at risk of getting PFB will be given preventive education on appropriate shaving hygiene and, if needed, medication, a consultation with a Dermatologist (or specialist) or a recommendation for laser hair removal.
The Dec. 15 memo is an update to the policy in January 2025, designed to assist health care providers in evaluating Airmen and Guardians for a Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) diagnosis. That memo differentiated between shaving irritation and PFB, and provided criteria to distinguish between mild, moderate and severe cases of PFB.
The Air Force Medical Service is committed to the health and safety of its service members while ensuring readiness standards consistent with the Department of War. The updated memorandum serves to maintain an informed environment on grooming standards to minimize harmful effects on operational readiness.
Air Force Surgeon General Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. —
Twelve LEAP Scholars recently took a star turn during Southern Star 2025 in Chile, enhancing communication and understanding among U.S. forces, six participating nations, and 10 observers throughout the complex multinational exercise.
“Southern Star 2025 was a two-week multinational special operations exercise hosted by Chile and co-led by U.S. Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH),” said Senior Master Sgt. Pedro Estrada, a flight chief with the Operations Branch, 502 Communications Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. “It involved over 2,700 personnel from six participating countries and 10 observers. The exercise simulated a UN-authorized stabilization mission with scenarios involving amphibious navigation, urban combat, non-combatant evacuation operations, maritime and air control, and live-fire precision training across 3,700 kilometers of Chilean territory, from Antofagasta to Punta Arenas. It’s considered the largest SOF (Special Operations Forces) exercise of its kind in Latin America.”
Because of the scope of the exercise, the team of LEAP Scholars performed a large assortment of roles during the training.
“Upon arrival, I was assigned to Rancagua (Headquarters) as a translator, assisting in both English to Spanish and Spanish to English translations for the Plans and Future Operations Cell,” said 1st Lt. Dalismarie Guzman-Velez, a Resources Deputy Flight Commander with the 937 Training Support Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio. “I served as a key communications facilitator for Army J35 / Lt. Col. Timothy Moore and 40 Chilean War College students. During my time there, I facilitated real-time communication between Lt. Col. Moore and the Chilean War College students. I also had the opportunity to translate briefs for 10 general officers during the exercise and approximately 40 general officers / civilian equivalents on the last day. During the exercise, I supported the coordination and execution of 45 joint missions, providing direct interpretation during planning and targeting meetings, CONOPS briefs, and executive-level engagements. I produced over 80 pages of operational documents, including operational orders, fragmentary orders , intelligence bulletins, visual tools, and assessments. I was frequently called upon for unscheduled interpretation needs throughout the headquarters.”
“My role specifically was to translate and interpret for the Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component in Rancagua Air Base,” said Master Sgt. Martin H. Hermosillo, a staff superintendent with the 524 Special Operations Squadron at Duke Field, Fla. “My role evolved into playing more of just a translation role at times due to my experience in SOF aviation through which I was able to streamline a vast amount of the processes and efforts due to my knowledge in aviation and in the Special Operations enterprise.”
The variety of participating nations, branches, and agencies involved in the exercise helped make this mission a memorable one for the LEAP Scholars who participated.
“This was a truly magnificent experience due to the fact that every service and ally nation have their own way of navigating a task,” said Hermosillo. “What really made everything flow in synchrony is the openness and willingness to learn from each other. Like any other exercise, things are meant to run a bit rough but with the ability to have a team mentality and leave egos aside every mission turned into a learning opportunity.”
“It was an incredibly enriching experience,” said Estrada. “I worked alongside Chilean SOF, MARSOC (Marine Forces Special Operations Command), the U.S. Air Force Special Tactics Squadron, and Chilean law enforcement and customs agencies. Each interaction deepened my appreciation for joint and multinational operations. It also reinforced how vital clear communication, trust, and cultural fluency are in high-tempo coalition environments. Every agency brought a unique perspective, and mutual respect drove mission success. These engagements broadened my understanding of Latin American defense structures and highlighted the essential role of language and culture in joint operations.”
While the LEAP Scholars were enriched by their Southern Star experiences, they also elevated the exercise with all the capabilities they bring to the table.
“LEAP Scholars bring more than just language skills,” said Estrada. “We offer cultural insight, diplomatic awareness, and operational fluency. In my case, I prevented potential international incidents, kept logistics flowing, and enabled mission-critical decisions through real-time translation. Without embedded LEAP professionals, miscommunication could’ve caused delays or even mission failure. We bridge the gap between strategy and execution across cultures and languages. LEAP Airmen serve as force multipliers by enhancing cooperation, reducing friction, and enabling real-time problem-solving in complex joint environments.”
“Having LEAP scholars was crucial for this exercise; it made it a lot smoother when it comes to communication between both nations,” said Staff Sgt. Vanesa Wagner, an Air Force recruiter out of Randolph AFB, Texas. “There is already a high level of complexity for this exercise especially because of the number of moving pieces. So having the communication portion taken care of and ensuring the correct message was being delivered was key.”
The LEAP team played a pivotal role in Southern Star, and they also gained additional skills that can be used in future missions.
“Overall, I learned a great deal about operations planning,” said Guzman-Velez. “I was actively involved in the process, with shifts lasting 12 hours each day. I appreciated the opportunity to see behind the scenes of how operations are conducted, how intelligence is collected, and the logic behind how personnel and equipment are assigned to accomplish missions. It was an interesting and rewarding experience, especially as a prior enlisted individual who has a passion for readiness and deployments!”
“This experience reaffirmed that language and cultural fluency are not just support tools, they are mission enablers,” said Estrada. “I learned how to adapt my communication style to rapidly changing operational environments and how to mediate between multiple stakeholders with competing interests. I also gained deeper insights into Latin American military protocols, civil-military coordination, and the strategic role of soft power in international defense cooperation. I also learned that language is power, especially in joint environments and helped hone my ability to operate in fluid, high-stakes scenarios.”
The rigorous curriculum that the Air Force Culture and Language Center provides to LEAP Scholars is one of the reasons why they can thrive and be force multipliers in exercises like Southern Star.
“Before this LITE, the AFCLC provided me with the opportunity to attend the University of Montana’s Defense Critical Language Program, where I learned a lot about Latin America, including our relationships with partner nations and the importance of collaboration,” said Guzman-Velez. “The course covered various aspects, including language, socio-political, and economic factors. I believe that experience prepared me significantly for this exercise, and I am grateful that the team trusts the program enough to send us out for these amazing opportunities. I can’t wait to participate in other LITES!”
“AFCLC’s LEAP program prepared me exceptionally well,” said Estrada. “The consistent language immersion, eMentor sessions, and prior LITE experiences gave me the confidence to operate in complex, multilingual scenarios. More importantly, the cultural training helped me read the room, understand unspoken dynamics, and navigate sensitive situations with professionalism and tact. LEAP gave me the tools to not just translate words, but to build bridges.”
Since LEAP Scholars come from the general force and bring their military skills and experiences with them, they are also able to communicate in technical and military terms with partner allies.
“This is exactly the type of exercise LEAP Scholars should participate in,” said Capt. Joshua Taylor, an Intelligence Officer with the 9th ASOS. “We were doing joint operations, and you had to use joint operational language. One of my tasks was to take the operations order that was written in Spanish and give it to Navy Seals. Technical terms for diving, boating, landing zones, these are terms that you would never use in daily life. We were using military jargon in English and Spanish.”
Because LEAP Scholars are well prepared and dynamic force multipliers, they are sought out by the leadership of large multinational exercises like Southern Star 25.
“Language Enabled Airman Program Scholars were essential in the execution of the Special Operations Command South largest joint exercise, SOUTHERN STAR 2025, supporting over 2,000 military members from multiple partner nations,” said Capt. Anton Klokun, Chief, J13 Plans & Operations, SOCSOUTH, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla. “They provided real-time translation within the Combined Forces Special Component Command headquarters, briefing senior leaders and enabling operational coordination between United States and Chilean forces in five geographically separated units, spread across 3,700 kilometers.”
By James Brown, AFCLC Outreach Team
AFCLC
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – Air Force Special Operations Command recently completed the second iteration of the AFSOC Tactical Communications Course at Hurlburt Field, Florida.
The tactical communications course is several weeks of a specialized training program designed to teach Air Commandos the skills and knowledge needed specifically to work communications for special operations missions.
“We needed a course to train AFSOC communicators on SOF-unique equipment and SOF employment for USSOCOM missions, and it needed to be a repeatable and sustainable solution,” said Chief Master Sgt. Robert Harris, AFSOC communications directorate senior enlisted leader. “AFSOC takes great pride in producing Air ‘COMMandos’ who are extremely competent, innovative problem solvers, and deliberate risk takers. This course provides that foundation for our warfighter communicators.”
The tactical communications course, which incorporated Airmen from all over AFSOC’s active duty, guard, and reserve wings, covers everything from USSOCOM network fundamentals and satellite communications to tactical radios and mission planning.
Communications in AFSOC and USSOCOM are uniquely characterized as being highly adaptable, redundant, and secure in austere, rapidly changing environments. Communicators must establish and maintain connectivity with limited infrastructure and be able to operate in a denied or contested electromagnetic spectrum.
“Due to AFSOC’s agile force packaging, members can be out in the field as the only communications technician,” said a course training manager. “We teach them multiple career fields and how to work on equipment they may have never touched before. That makes them a subject matter expert so they can get everything required done.”
The training also allows Airmen to more rapidly complete requirements on their career education and training plan.
“It can take more than a year for Airmen to complete all training requirements within their work centers, but this schoolhouse will cover 40% of those key competencies over a period of a few weeks,” said a course training manager.
The course serves as a force multiplier, advancing training so Air Commandos can fulfill duties at their home units and seamlessly transition to deployed environments, where they become even more mission critical to sustaining operations and generating airpower as part of the agile combat employment concept.
“Airmen return proficient with their core equipment and can quickly master their upgrade training- saving hundreds of man-hours in preparation for deployments and dramatically improving unit readiness.” said Harris. “Future expansion of the course should focus on integrating emerging technologies and capabilities for more realistic scenarios.”
AFSOC prioritizes deliberate development of Air Commandos so they can be adaptable experts within their operational environment.
Story by Capt Brandon DeBlanc
Air Force Special Operations Command
Skydio, the leading U.S.-based drone manufacturer and world leader in autonomous flight technology, in partnership with ADS, a leading provider of products, technology, and logistics solutions for the U.S. Military, today announced two initial multi-million dollar contract awards with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to expand the deployment of Skydio systems across multiple operational units. These efforts extend Skydio’s presence across Air Combat Command (ACC) Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units, supporting the Air Force’s broader initiative to integrate uncrewed systems into every Airman’s toolkit.
The Skydio systems will support TACP Airmen in characterizing enemy order of battle, enhancing situational awareness, acting as communications relays, and enabling near-peer engagements through integration with strategic platforms and weaponeering solutions.
In a parallel effort, Skydio has also been selected as the aerial robot of choice for USAF EOD units deploying Skydio systems for both garrison operations and contingency deployments with additional systems planned over the next 18 months.
These contracts align with the Air Force’s broader effort to reimagine the Airman identity—integrating uncrewed systems to extend capability, situational awareness, and mission efficiency at every level. USAF Security Forces use Skydio systems on a daily basis for Base Defense and Installation Security, demonstrating the critical role of autonomous drone technology in protecting U.S. Air Force assets. Beyond security applications, units are also operating Skydio technology, such as aircraft inspection modernization at Travis Air Force Base, where the 60th Maintenance Group pioneered the Air Force’s first drone-based inspection program and reduced C-17 inspection times by more than 90 percent—demonstrating the versatility of Skydio systems across diverse mission requirements.
Skydio X10D delivers operational performance with:
X10D, part of the Blue UAS Cleared List, also meets the stringent cybersecurity and capability requirements the Department of War demands.
These Air Force awards add to Skydio’s growing partnerships across all branches of the U.S. military, including the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Tranche 2 program. The breadth of adoption—from special operations to conventional forces—reflects the operational trust earned by systems designed, assembled, and supported in the United States. Skydio also proudly supports 28 allied nations and 3,500+ public safety agencies, utilities, and enterprise customers worldwide. Skydio’s manufacturing facility in Hayward, CA, is one of the world’s largest drone manufacturing facilities outside of China.
For more information about Skydio for national security, please visit skydio.com/natsec.
In a memorandum issued Monday, Gen Kenneth Wilsbach authorized the return of colored Morale T-Shirt for wear with utility uniforms on Fridays (at the discretion of the commander). Tied to unit heritage and esprit, this has been an on-again-off-again tradition over the years, based on who was in charge at the time. I’m glad to see it. Hopefully Airmen will get a few more opportunities to show off their unit pride.
Although it doesn’t affect as many, the memo also authorizes Airmen who wear the Flight Duty Uniform to use their callsign and last name on their aircrew nametag.
ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —
Chief Master Sgt. David R. Wolfe was selected as the 21st Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force on Nov. 6. His valuable experience and proven performance make him a key addition to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach’s leadership team.
“Chief Wolfe has been my wingman, advisor and confidant for multiple command assignments,” said Wilsbach. “Cindy and I are delighted to have Dave and Doniel alongside us as we lead the Air Force. Their passion for Airmen and their families is second to none.”
Wolfe’s most recent assignment before this new position was Command Chief Master Sergeant, Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. There, he served as the principal advisor to Wilsbach and ACC staff on issues impacting the well-being, morale, and optimal employment of all personnel.
Chief Wolfe’s career began in February 1992, encompassing a diverse range of specialties. His experience spans missile security, elite guard duty, protective services, and space warning security, demonstrating his commitment to national security. He possesses expertise in training and standardization evaluation, security forces operations, logistics, and professional military education, ensuring a well-rounded skill set.
“The selection of Chief Wolfe as our 21st Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force is the right decision during this critical time for the Air Force,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “I know that he will continue to serve and advocate for Airmen and their families.”
As with previous CMSAFs, Wolfe will serve as the public voice for Air Force personnel to all levels of government. He will also act as an advisor to Wilsbach and other senior military and civilian leaders, providing counsel on issues concerning the welfare, readiness, morale, utilization, and professional development of the Air Force’s Airmen.
As a leader, Wolfe will set the course for the Total Force and serve as a dedicated advocate for all Airmen.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
