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United Operational Test Team Conducts First Dual, External GBU-54 Release

Thursday, February 6th, 2025

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) —  

The United Operational Test Team conducted the first ever dual, external release of a GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition from an F-35.

The GBU-54 is a precision-guided bomb that uses laser energy to accurately strike static and moving surface targets, making it a valuable addition to the F-35’s air-to-surface munitions catalog. The integration and successful test of the LJDAM on the F-35 marks a key milestone in the continuing effort to fully integrate the LJDAM on all versions of the F-35.

The weapon delivery event was conducted using an F-35C from the Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9 Detachment at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

“The capability to carry LJDAMs externally will greatly increase the air-to-surface strike capability of the aircraft,” said Cmdr. Michael “Squintz” Procelli, aircraft pilot. “This WDE expands the Joint Strike Fighter’s flexibility when countering asymmetrical threats with more kinetic options.”

The test was also designed to stress the Stores Management System, the software responsible for managing the weapons loaded on the aircraft and to determine how it reacts to releasing multiple of these weapons in quick succession.

Two weapons were employed against a remote controlled High-Speed Moving Target. The bombs were guided to the target via the onboard laser housed inside the F-35’s Electro Optical Targeting System. This is the first sensor suite to combine forward looking infrared, infrared search and track and a combat laser, providing improved situational awareness over legacy sensor pods to deliver GPS and laser-guided munitions.

Consistent with the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center’s responsibility of testing system effectiveness in operationally relevant environments, the weapons were employed on the HSMT with the help of a joint tactical air controller, simulating a common scenario that can be expected on the battlefield.

Testing the safe separation and guidance of the weapon offers valuable insight into the usability of the F-35’s strike capability. The successful completion of this test demonstrates the F-35’s ability to accurately engage targets in a dynamic and challenging environment and highlights the advanced capabilities of the EOTS system.

By 2nd Lt Arthur Knust Graichen and 2nd Lt Jeffrey Brodhecker, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center Detachment 6

Air Force Kicks Off Roadshow, Prepares Airmen for ‘Units of Action’ Implementation

Monday, February 3rd, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

Air Force senior leadersconducted one of their first stops of a recently launched roadshow at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Jan. 24, to prepare Airmen as the service transitions into Combat Wings, Air Base Wings and Institutional Wings as part of the ongoing U.S. Air Force reoptimization. 

This structural change increases the ability for commanders to focus on their mission and enables the creation of an Air Force “Unit of Action” capable of deploying as a cohesively trained and highly effective team of warrior Airmen. 

Senior leaders will visit approximately 20 bases and their corresponding wings over the next few months to communicate the wing reorganization plan, to include the implementation of the wing A-Staff and dissolution of most group command echelons. 

They will also explain the long-term effects of the new force presentation model to Airmen and their units, both in garrison and deployed. 

Implementation is expected to begin in the summer of 2025 to include the stand-up of new Air Base Wings at designated installations. 

Following the transition, Air Force installations will be comprised of a Combat Wing and/or an Institutional Wing and an Air Base Wing. 

Combat Wings will focus on training and certification for mission level warfighting skills and being ready to deploy or execute in-place in support of combatant command requirements. 

The mission of Institutional Wings will be to organize, train and equip the Air Force combat forces and will include units such as flying training wings and test wings. 

Air Base Wings will focus on the skills and readiness necessary to protect, sustain and operate the power projection platform (the installation), supporting Combat Wings and/or Institutional Wings along with any other tenant units. They maintain the responsibility to ensure base operations in competition, crisis and conflict while also providing for the care and support of family readiness for the entire base community. 

The missions of preparing and employing forces, as well as defending the installation against threats are full time jobs; the addition of the Air Base Wing allows all Airmen, from commanders to those working the line, to dedicate their full attention to their specific mission instead of dividing their attention. 

“Operating and protecting our bases under enemy threat is crucial, and we must ensure our Airmen are properly trained and prepared for deployment,” said Col. Scott Yeatman, current operations deputy director. “To achieve this, our goal is to have teams of Airmen receive comprehensive training through the four phase Air Force Force Generation cycle so they’re ready for action the minute they hit the ground on a deployment.” 

According to Air Force Deputy Chief of Operations Lt.Gen. Adrian Spain, “Airmen will form into cohesive units focused on training, exercising and deploying together as a mission-ready, warfighting team. These changes are fundamental to generating team readiness and increasing lethality for assured mission success.” 

In parallel with these efforts, Air Force wings will largely dissolve the group command echelon and implement a wing A-Staff to facilitate wing commander decision-making and better enable the squadrons to execute their missions. 

“We’ll be standardizing our staff structure across all bases, with a consistent framework, while allowing for necessary flexibility based on mission requirements at the local level. These changes will ensure the service is better organized and trained to execute operations across the joint warfighting functions,” Yeatman explained. 

Roadshow engagements address how these changes will directly affect each installation they visit, how each organization will be equipped to more effectively support Department of the Air Force mission requirements and provide a forum for Airmen to ask questions. 

“Reoptimizing the Air Force into Combat, Institutionaland Air Base wings is a foundational change to how we prepare and deploy combat effective forces,” said Brig. Gen. David Epperson, special assistant to the Air Force Chief of Staff. “I am excited for this roadshow and the opportunity it provides to both share information and engage in direct conversation with Airmen at the unit level about the way forward.” 

More resources on the Air Force’s ongoing reoptimization efforts can be found here. 

By TSgt Nick Z. Erwin, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

AF/SG Updates Medical Shaving Profile Guidance: Improving Education and Aligning Standards

Saturday, February 1st, 2025

FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFNS) —  

The Department of Air Force updated a medical guidance memorandum, Jan. 24, 2025, to offer healthcare providers additional guidance when evaluating Airmen and Guardians for a Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, or PFB, diagnosis.

PFB is a chronic inflammatory skin condition in response to the entrapment of recently cut, short hairs. In June 2020, the Air Force Medical Serviceestablished guidance for shaving profiles and implemented a five-year shaving profile for patients with PFB. However, the guidance did not offer medical providers clear language on the diagnosis of PFB, and it did not differentiate PFB from shaving irritation.

The new profile guidance takes effect March 1, 2025, and distinguishes between mild, moderate and severe cases of PFB. In addition to the guidance, the AFMS is providing additional information, consistent across the Department of Defense, to educate providers and patients on grooming techniques, treatment methods, and temporary and permanent profile exemptions.

According to the memorandum, permanent and extended duration shaving profiles are generally reserved for severe cases, while mild-to-moderate cases may benefit from more frequent management, follow-ups, and temporary profiles.

While all current shaving profiles remain valid, as the memorandum is implemented March 1, 2025, shaving-related profiles will expire 90 calendar days after the individual’s next periodic health assessment. The 90-day window equips Airmen and Guardians with time to schedule and complete an appointment with their healthcare provider to reevaluate the condition.

The shaving guidance memorandum from the Department of the Air Force will serve as a guideline, emphasizing education and consistency to ensure standardization and proper management of medical shaving policies across the DAF.

Current Efforts: Education and Evaluation
Moving forward, the AFMS is focusing on educating service members, privileged providers, and senior profiling officers about shaving waivers. Key aspects of this initiative include:

Distinguishing Between Conditions: Educating medical professionals on the differences between mild, moderate, and severe PFB versus shaving irritation.

Training for Providers: Ensuring all providers who issue profiles understand the standards and receive additional training as needed.

Unit-Level Training: Implementing education efforts at the unit level to enhance understanding across the force.

Memorandum Guidance: Shaving Guidance Memorandum signed Jan. 24 to standardize how profiles for medical necessity are evaluated and issued.

Col. Mark B. Dudley, Flight and Operational Medicine branch chief, said “from a medical standpoint, our job is to evaluate, diagnose, treat and provide a profile if necessary. Our goal with any medical condition is to return the individual to duty and enable them to meet the standards based on DAF or policy DoD.”

Bridging Standards with Sister Services
Aligning Department of the Air Force policies with Army and Navy standards is a critical aspect of these reforms.

“We need to educate medical providers and profiling officers for mild, moderate, and severe conditions. Our sister services already provide that baseline education,” Lt. Gen. John J. DeGoes, U.S. Air Force and Space Force surgeon general, said. “This initiative will ensure consistency across the Department of Defense and better prepare service members and providers to address grooming-related medical conditions.”

This guidance is in alignment with the overall Department of the Air Force effort to create policy that is easier to understand, easier to comply with and easier to enforce with the goal of maintaining a highly disciplined and professional force.

Looking Ahead
The AFMS is committed to ensuring that medical profiles relating to shaving are understood and applied uniformly across the DAF. With the guidance memorandum in place, this approach will ultimately create a more standardized, informed and equitable system for service members and medical professionals alike.

As the AFMS enters the Air Force Medical Commandera, these changes will contribute to a stronger, more unified force.

Courtesy of Air Force Surgeon General Public Affairs

2025 Special Air Warfare Symposium Registration Now Open

Wednesday, January 29th, 2025

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – Registration to attend the 2025 Special Air Warfare Symposium taking place Feb 25-27 at Fort Walton Beach, Florida is now open. SAWS is a large, annual, global SOF Aviation gathering that brings together leaders, innovators, and industry experts to ensure the readiness of our SOF warfighters.

Now in its third year, 2025 SAWS overall theme is Forging the Future: Advancing SOF Aviation for Tomorrow’s Victory. This focus is on rejecting incremental improvements and instead the active pursuit of transformative capabilities that will rapidly provide USSOCOM and the Joint Force with a strategic advantage in the future.

SAWS is co-hosted by Air Force Special Operations and Global SOF Foundation and promises to expand on the previous two events.  Click here to register for this unique opportunity to engage with and learn from the aviation-focused Special Operations Community.

– Courtesy of AFSOC Public Affairs

DISCLAIMER: Co-sponsorship of this event does not imply endorsement of GSOF, its services, or its products by the United States Government, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command.

Innovation Takes Flight: Air Commandos Showcase Creative Solutions at ‘Thunder Dome 2025’

Monday, January 27th, 2025

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —  

Last week, Air Commandos across Air Force Special Operations Command participated in the Thunder Dome innovation competition, at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Jan 7-8, 2025.

As part of the competition, Air Commandos presented their projects and ideas to AFSOC senior leaders. Many participants sought to either replace or enhance existing systems within their work centers to extend the longevity of their operations.

For example, a Senior Airman from the 352nd Special Operations Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, presented a solution that uses more durable materials to protect equipment used for airdrops. By mitigating wear and tear during standard operations, the concept would extend the service life of the unit’s airdrop platforms. She added that the proposal would enhance mission effectiveness and decrease hours of manpower spent performing repairs. 

Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Green, command chief of AFSOC, lauded the participants’ efforts in identifying solutions to improve their units.

“This competition goes back to the roots of being an Air Commando,” Green said. “You have all demonstrated that people with an innovative mindset help get the mission done. You are each trying to make your units the best they can possibly be and that’s really what being an Air Commandos is all about.”

This year’s competition saw 33 new project submissions across all of AFSOC. Upon review of the projects’ feasibility, leadership selected eight teams to present at the final judging panel. The command awarded funding to six of the final projects.

In addition to awarding funding, the Thunder Dome competition aims to foster a culture of innovation and creativity, which in turn, will help AFSOC outpace its strategic competitors, said Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, commander of AFSOC.

“Across the board I applaud you all for thinking outside the box – literally and figuratively,” Conley said.

The AFSOC innovation campaign is ongoing and Air Commandos at all levels are encouraged to submit ideas to AFSOC Innovation Campaign | GAIN | Guardians and Airmen Innovation Network for out of cycle funding consideration and to compete in the FY26 Thunder Dome competition. It’s never too early to submit.

Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

Olympic Athlete Graduates USAF BMT

Saturday, January 18th, 2025

Airman Anita Alvarez smiles with her family after the Basic Military Training Coin Ceremony, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, January 8, 2025. Alvarez is a three-time Olympic athlete joining the Department of the Air Force World Class Athlete Program upon graduation from Basic Military Training. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2d Lt Kate Anderson)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas —

Three-time Olympic athlete, Anita Alvarez, graduates Air Force Basic Military Training on Jan. 9.

After winning a silver medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Alvarez made her way to the 737th Training Group to complete 7.5 weeks of basic military training. The newly graduated athlete is now also known as Airman Alvarez.

“My BMT experience is one I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” said Airman Alvarez. “The regimen, discipline, teamwork and resilience needed to get through the past 7.5 weeks felt similar to what was needed to make it to and through three Olympic games and all the challenges I’ve faced along the way.”

Alvarez is one of 781 airmen to graduate from BMT this week. However, her Air Force journey will look a little different than most. Alvarez will be joining a premier group of athletes in the Department of the Air Force World Class Athlete Program to continue her training as an artistic swimmer.

Dale Filsell, Chief, Department of the Air Force WCAP and Shooting Program, shares, “DAF WCAP affords elite athletes, such as Airman Alvarez, the opportunity to qualify for the Olympic games and proudly serve their country at the same time.”

The DAF WCAP, managed by Air Force Services Center, was established in 1995 and is open to Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve Air Force and Space Force personnel who rank the highest in their sports. Since its inception, 14 WCAP athletes have represented Team USA at the Summer and Winter Olympics.

“The DAF WCAP is delighted to welcome Airman Anita Alvarez to the program,” said Filsell “Airman Alvarez is WCAP’s first-ever recruited Olympic medalist and the program is looking forward to supporting Airman Alvarez as she trains and competes to become a four-time Olympian at the LA28 Summer Olympics.”

Although WCAP athletes train full-time in their given sport, they are also required to complete all annual and ancillary training, professional military education, fitness assessments and other mandatory tasks required of all Airmen and Guardians.

“I feel very honored to be getting this opportunity to serve my country while simultaneously representing my country as I look toward the final years of my professional athletic career,” said Alvarez.

For more information about the Air Force World Class Athlete Program visit their website: myairforcelife.com/air-force-wcap

By 2nd Lt Kate Anderson, 37th Training Wing Public Affairs

Texas Air National Guard’s 111th Attack Squadron Named RPA Squadron of the Year

Thursday, January 16th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 15 January 2025 – The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) presented the 2023 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Squadron of the Year Award to the 111thAttack Squadron (ATKS) of the Texas Air National Guard, Joint Base Ellington Field, Texas. The award was presented at a ceremony at Ellington Field’s Lone Star Flight Museum on January 11, 2025. The award is given annually to the Squadron that distinguishes itself through its employment of RPA in meritorious service.

The award was presented by GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) David Deptula of the Mitchell Institute.

The 111th ATKS “Aces” distinguished themselves as the first Air Force MQ-9A unit to achieve full operational capability in the newly fielded Satellite Launch and Recovery system. Additionally, during Exercise Air Defender, they executed the first Satellite Launch and Recovery operation at a civilian European airfield.

“I couldn’t be prouder of all the nominated units for their outstanding performance in 2023,” said Blue. “But the 111th Attack Squadron truly set the bar, achieving a flawless 100 percent execution rate. Their hard work supported eight named operations across three continents, nine operating areas, and six launch and recovery sites. That kind of dedication and precision doesn’t just happen—it’s a testament to their incredible leadership, teamwork and commitment.”

The Aces have paved the way for future RPA operations and demonstrated the ability of highly trained airmen equipped with cutting-edge combat capabilities to defend this great nation.

“It was an intense training ambition, but the 111th led the United States Air Force, under the unit’s own initiative, to be the first squadron to achieve full operational capability with the MQ-9A’s new Satellite Launch and Recovery capability, all while maintaining an exemplary 100 percent sortie execution rate,” said Lt. Col. Nathan Rieber, 111thATKS Commander.

These accomplishments distinctly identify the Aces as the Air Force’s most outstanding RPA squadron.

Exercise Reaper Castillo Pathfinds MQ-9 Capabilities in Austere Environments

Monday, January 13th, 2025

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —  

An MQ-9 Reaper circles above the Melrose Air Force Range in New Mexico, surveying the area below as it prepares to land on a dirt strip. On the ground the 1st Special Operations Mission Sustainment Team (SOMST) secures the landing zone, ready to refuel and rearm the aircraft.

More than 1,100 miles away, at Hurlburt Field, Florida, an MQ-9 pilot and sensor operator control the remotely piloted aircraft from a ground control station.

The 65th Special Operations Squadron hosted Exercise Reaper Castillo Nov. 4 to Dec. 18, 2024 to sharpen mission-essential tasks and develop MQ-9 Agile Combat Employment (ACE) capabilities. The goal: create a lighter, leaner and more agile force.

The exercise validated the MQ-9’s ability to conduct key operations in austere environments, including dirt-strip landings, refueling, rearming and rapid relaunch.

“In the future fight, we assess we will no longer be able to rely exclusively on the main operating bases that have persisted,” said the 1st SOMST flight commander. “Operating in austere environments anytime, anyplace and anywhere is critical. It enables commanders to have options – something critically needed in special operations forces.”

Typically, the MQ-9 requires a paved runway with a group of maintainers and extensive support functions. However, during the exercise a light SOMST footprint on an austere dirt airfield provided all necessary functions to support mission execution.

“If special operations MSTs can enable mission generation at the forward edge of the battlefield, it can increase the lethality, range, and overall capability of the aircraft for strategic and tactical national interests,” the flight commander said.

The MQ-9 Reaper is a versatile and precise intelligence, surveillance and strike platform and its adaptability and range of capabilities make it an asset for modern military operations.

These capabilities align with ACE, a strategy focused on enhancing flexibility and resilience by dispersing forces across multiple, often austere, locations. With its ability to operate in remote environments and adapt to rapidly changing mission requirements, the MQ-9 plays a role in supporting ACE’s emphasis on decentralized operations and rapid deployment.

“The MQ-9 is extremely relevant in today’s fight and will be in the future as well,” said a 65th SOS MQ-9 evaluator pilot and exercise mission commander. “It allows us to go places and do things that we cannot risk sending manned aircraft – such as high-threat environments.”

The exercise builds on the hard work of the 65th SOS’s sister squadrons over the past few years and will provide important data and lessons learned for the next squadron to push the concepts even further, said Lt. Col. Kurtis Paul, 65th SOS commander.

“On its surface, Reaper Castillo 24 is an exercise created and executed by the 65th SOS. But in reality, it’s another step in Air Force Special Operations Command’s efforts to push MQ-9 operations beyond conventional means,” Paul added. “It brought together many members from multiple AFSOC wings and it’s humbling to have the Lucky Dicers’ stamp on this iteration – this was truly a win for all of AFSOC remotely piloted aircraft and where we’re headed in the future.”

As the future of Air Force operations adapt to emerging technologies and evolving threats, the forward-thinking approach of these teams is crucial to unlocking the full potential of the MQ-9.

“We have to break out of the mindset that we need a huge, paved runway with co-located launch and recovery aircrews,” the mission commander added. “If we can free ourselves from the traditional mindset, it makes MQ-9 combat reach nearly limitless.”

By Senior Airman Deanna Muir, 1st Special Operations Wing