Category: Aviation

Source: United States Air Force

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFNS) —  

Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, AFSOC commander, directed an operational standdown of the Air Force CV-22 fleet Dec. 6, 2023, to mitigate risk while the investigation continues on the Nov. 29, 2023, CV-22 mishap near Yakushima, Japan.

Preliminary investigation information indicates a potential materiel failure caused the mishap, but the underlying cause of the failure is unknown at this time. The standdown will provide time and space for a thorough investigation to determine causal factors and recommendations to ensure the Air Force CV-22 fleet returns to flight operations.

We extend sincere gratitude to the Joint Force and Government of Japan’s Self-Defense Force, Coast Guard, law enforcement and civilian volunteers for their tireless assistance in the search and rescue operations for our Air Commandos.

Further information will be released as it becomes available. Please direct your questions to our org box: afsoc.pa.org@us.af.mil.

Source: United States Air Force

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS) —  

Source: United States Air Force

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

UPDATE 7, December 5, 2023 0900CST: After days of intensive, 24/7 search and rescue operations for eight Airmen following the CV-22 mishap off the shore of Yakushima Island, Japan, the U.S. military transitioned search and rescue operations to search and recovery operations.

The transition from a rescue operation to a recovery operation occurs when the determination is made that survivors are unlikely.

The recovery operation will now focus on locating and recovering all remains and aircraft debris. Of the eight Airmen, the remains of three Airmen have been recovered, the remains of another three Airmen have been located and are in the process of being recovered, and the remains of two Airmen are still being located.

Staff Sgt. Jake Galliher’s remains were recovered Nov. 29, 2023, and the status of the seven remaining Airmen transitioned from DUSTWUN (duty status-whereabouts unknown) to deceased status and all families were notified.

Those names of the deceased are:

U.S. Air Force Maj. Jeffrey T. Hoernemann, 32, of Andover, Minnesota, was a CV-22 instructor pilot and officer in charge of training, assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Eric V. Spendlove, 36, of St. George, Utah, was a residency trained flight surgeon and medical operations flight commander assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Luke A. Unrath, 34, of Riverside, California, was a CV-22 pilot and flight commander assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Terrell K. Brayman, 32, of Pittsford, New York, was a CV-22 pilot and flight commander assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Zachary E. Lavoy, 33, of Oviedo, Florida, was a medical operations flight chief assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jake M. Turnage, 25, of Kennesaw, Georgia, was a flight engineer assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brian K. Johnson, 32, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, was a flight engineer assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and peers of all who are impacted by this mishap and loss of life,” said Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, Air Force Special Operations Command commander. “In times like these, where service to our nation is not just a personal commitment but also a legacy woven into the fabric of our families, the depth of sorrow is immeasurable. The honorable service of these eight Airmen to this great Nation will never be forgotten, as they are now among the giants who shape our history.”

Personnel and assets across five military branches alongside our Japanese allies supported the search and rescue operations and will continue to support recovery operations.

“On behalf of all of the joint U.S. teammates actively involved in the search, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of Japan’s Self Defense Force, Coast Guard, law enforcement, mariners, and local Yakushima civilian volunteers for their tireless assistance in the search and rescue operations for our Airmen. Their selfless dedication in our time of need demonstrates the ironclad bond between our nations,” said Rear Adm. Jeromy Williams, Special Operations Command – Pacific commander. “We are resolved to locating our aircrew and bringing them home to their families.”

Units who will continue these operations include:

Japan Coast Guard
Japan Self-Defense Forces
United States Pacific Air Forces
United States Pacific Fleet
United States Marine Corps Forces, Pacific
Special Operations Command – Pacific
353rd Special Operations Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan
18th Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan
1st Special Forces Group

Support to, and the privacy of, the families and loved ones impacted by this incident remains a top priority.

Family members, military and government civilians whose lives have been impacted by recent events are encouraged to contact the Emergency Family Assistance Cell at afsoc.efac.org@us.af.mil or 850-884-4494.

Further information will be released as it becomes available. Please direct your questions to our org box: afsoc.pa.org@us.af.mil.

UPDATE 6, December 4, 2023 0502CST: Today, the combined Japanese and United States teams working diligently in the search for the CV-22 mishap aircraft near Yakushima, Japan, on November 29, 2023, had a breakthrough when their surface ships and dive teams were able to locate remains, along with the main fuselage of the aircraft wreckage. The dive teams were able to confirm five additional crew members from the original crew of eight that were involved in the mishap. Hours after the aircraft disappeared, Japanese first responders located and recovered the first known casualty from the mishap.

Currently two crew members of the five located today have been successfully recovered by the attending teams. There is an ongoing combined effort to recover the remaining crew members from the wreckage. The identities of the members located today have yet to be determined and will be released at a later date.

The coalition of military, coast guard, law enforcement, mariners, and local volunteers remain steadfast in locating and bringing the US Service Members back to their units and their families. The military has also turned to dispatching professional support for the care of the families. As efforts persist for the location and recovery of the entire crew, the privacy of the families and loved ones impacted by this tragic incident remains a great concern.

Further information on the recovery and details of the search progress will be released as it becomes available. Additional inquires and questions have been directed by officials to contact the public affairs section at United States Air Force Special Operations Command at org box: afsoc.pa.org@us.af.mil.

Additionally, for family members, military and government civilians seeking assistance whose lives have been impacted by the recent events, they are encouraged to contact the Emergency Family Assistance Cell at 850-884-4494.

UPDATE 5, December 4, 2023 0302CST: During a combined U.S.-Japanese search and rescue dive in the vicinity of Yakushima, Japan on Dec. 4, 2023, remains were discovered along with wreckage from the CV-22 mishap that occurred on Nov. 29, 2023.

Currently there is a combined effort in recovering the remains. The identities have yet to be determined at this time.

The main priority is bringing the Airmen home and taking care of their family members. Support to, and the privacy of, the families and loved ones impacted by this incident remains AFSOC’s top priority.

Further information will be released as it becomes available. Please direct your questions to our org box: afsoc.pa.org@us.af.mil.

Family members, military and government civilians seeking assistance across the command whose lives have been impacted by recent events can reach out to the Emergency Family Assistance Cell at 850-884-4494.

UPDATE 4, December 3, 2023 1511CST: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob “Jake” M. Galliher, 24, was a native of Pittsfield, Mass. Jake entered active duty August 15, 2017 and served as a Direct Support Operator assigned to the 43rd Intelligence Squadron, Detachment 1, Operating Location – Alpha, 363rd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing based out of Yokota Air Base, Japan. 43 IS Det 1 OL-A is a tenant unit in support of the 353rd Special Operations Wing.

Jake distinguished himself with honors throughout multiple training pipelines to include earning Honor Graduate of Basic Military Training, Distinguished Graduate of the Air Force’s Cryptologic Language Analyst Course and Honor Graduate of the Defense Language Institute’s Chinese Language Course.

A consummate intelligence professional and dedicated academic, Jake earned his Community College of the Air Force degree in Intelligence studies, all while actively pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies and maintaining proficiency in Chinese-Mandarin.

As a DSO, Jake was an airborne linguist specializing in Chinese-Mandarin. DSOs fly as AFSOC aircrew members during training, exercises, and real-world contingencies. Jake was a qualified DSO on the AC-130J, MC-130H, and CV-22B.

“Jacob was a beloved husband, father, son, and brother as well as a model Airman who will be forever remembered for his dedication to this great nation and his fellow warriors,” said U.S. Air Force Maj Gilbert Summers, 43d Intelligence Squadron, Detachment 1 Commander. “With a ready smile, Jake brought the unit together on and off-duty through humor and an inexhaustible supply of energy, whether it was on the aircraft, in the gym, or on the slopes with the team. Everywhere he went, and everyone he met, was made better for him being there. He has left an indelible mark as a devoted family man, steadfast wingman, and an irreplaceable Airman in both duty and compassion. Jacob’s tremendous legacy will live on through his beautiful family and through all of us who had the honor of knowing him.”

Prior to his assignment at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jake was assigned to the 25th Intelligence Squadron out of Hurlburt Field, Fla.

During his career, Jake was recognized with:

The Air Force Achievement Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and Air Force Meritorious Unit Award.

At this time, search and rescue operations are still ongoing and the additional seven Airmen remain in DUSTWUN status meaning “duty status-whereabouts unknown.”

Family members, military and government civilians seeking assistance across the command whose lives have been impacted by recent events can reach out to the Emergency Family Assistance Cell at 850-884-4494.

*To ensure clarity, Staff Sgt. Galliher was assigned to the 43rd Intelligence Squadron, Detachment 1, Operating Location – Alpha, 363rd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing based out of Yokota Air Base, Japan, NOT Kadena Air Base as previously released.

UPDATE 3, December 2, 2023 1026CST: The Airman whose remains were recovered following the CV-22 mishap that occurred on November 29 off the shore of Yakushima Island, Japan has been identified and next of kin has been notified.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob “Jake” M. Galliher, 24, was a Direct Support Operator assigned to the 43rd Intelligence Squadron, Detachment 1, Operating Location – Alpha, 363rd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan. 43 IS Det 1 OL-A is a tenant unit in support of the 353rd Special Operations Wing.

Jake is originally from Pittsfield, Mass. and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 2017.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing for the seven other Airmen on board who remain in DUSTWUN status at this time.

Support to, and the privacy of, the families and loved ones impacted by this incident remains AFSOC’s top priority.

Direct questions to afsoc.pa.org@us.af.mil

Family members, military and government civilians seeking assistance across the command whose lives have been impacted by recent events can reach out to the Emergency Family Assistance Cell at 850-884-4494.

UPDATE 2, December 2, 2023 0934CST: The U.S. military, alongside our Japanese allies, continue an exhaustive search and rescue operation for the CV-22 crew following the mishap which occurred Nov. 29, off the shore of Yakushima Island, Japan.

The current search and rescue operation consists of a combination of air, surface, and subsurface area searches of the water and coastline. Rescue assets include the USS Carl Vinson and its air wing, divers, unmanned vehicles, and search and rescue experts.

“Our focus is to enable the ongoing, extensive 24/7 search and rescue operation while we care for the family and loved ones impacted by this mishap,” said Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, Air Force Special Operations commander. “As search and rescue operations continue, our joint force and Japanese allies stand united in our determination to bring our Air Commandos home.”

Since the mishap occurred, Japanese allies have been integral in the search for the crewmembers.

“U.S. and Japanese forces have come together in an extensive search to rescue our Airmen. We want to assure our air commandos’ families that our efforts will continue and include every possible capability at our disposal,” said Rear Adm. Jeromy Williams, Special Operations Command – Pacific commander. “We want to extend sincere gratitude to the Government of Japan’s Self Defense Force, Coast Guard, law enforcement and civilian volunteers for their tireless assistance in the search and rescue operations for our Airmen.”

Seven Airmen are in DUSTWUN status meaning “duty status-whereabouts unknown.” At this time, one set of remains has been recovered.

The search and rescue operation is ongoing and remains a top priority.

Further information will be released as it becomes available. Please direct your questions to our org box: afsoc.pa.org@us.af.mil.

UPDATE 1, December 1, 2023 0032CST: The U.S. Military, alongside the Japan Coast Guard, Japanese Self-Defense Forces, local law enforcement, and Japanese civilian volunteers, is continuing search and rescue operations for the CV-22 crew following the mishap that occurred on Nov 29 off the shore of Yakushima Island, Japan.

Search and rescue operations consist of a combination of air, surface, and subsurface search of water and coastline in the vicinity of Yakushima, Japan in order to locate the crewmembers.

Seven Airmen are in DUSTWUN status meaning “duty status-whereabouts unknown.” At this time, we can confirm one set of remains has been recovered.

Our sincere gratitude to all the units and Japanese partners involved in helping us locate our Airmen.

Units involved in search and rescue operations are:

Japan Coast Guard
Japanese Self-Defense Forces
Pacific Air Forces
United States Pacific Fleet
United States Marine Corps Forces, Pacific
Special Operations Command Pacific
353rd Special Operations Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan
18th Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan
1st Special Forces Group

Further information will be released as it becomes available. Please direct your questions to our org box: afsoc.pa.org@us.af.mil.

Initial Release, November 29, 2023 0911CST: A United States Air Force CV-22B Osprey from Yokota Air Base, Japan, assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing, was involved in an aircraft mishap while performing a routine training mission off the shore of Yakushima Island, Japan with eight Airmen on board.

The crew’s conditions are unknown at this time.

Emergency personnel are on scene conducting search and rescue operations. The cause of the mishap is currently unknown.

Further information will be released as it becomes available. Please direct your questions to our org box: afsoc.pa.org@us.af.mil.

Source: United States Air Force

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNS) —  

Source: United States Air Force

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (AFNS) —  

Airmen from the 22nd and 931st Air Refueling Wings demonstrated how they foster more resilient members while staying at the forefront of the Air Force’s refueling enterprise during Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass’ visit November 28-29, 2023.

Team McConnell has achieved many accomplishments over the past few years. The implementation of several new programs allowed the team to continue contributing to the McConnell and Air Force missions. Different agencies from around the base discussed some of these programs and how they help members connect with others within their career field and across the base.

“I have a really strong foundation on [suicide] prevention, but as I’ve been here, I’ve noticed that relationships are just the cusp of starting that,” said Annie Carroll, 22nd and 722nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron True North clinical social worker.

True North was one of many programs McConnell recently implemented to help members that Bass heard about during her visit. The installation has also teamed up with Derby School District to open the first All Pro Dads chapter affiliated with a military base, allowing dads to spend more time with their kids and provide them and others with positive role models.

During September, the Integrated Resiliency team hosted a connection challenge designed to create more connections around base. The Chapel team talked about their peer-to-peer classes that encourage Airmen to connect more with their peers. McConnell has also begun implementing the True North program, which integrates clinical social workers into individual squadrons to provide more accessibility to mental health resources.

Bass also learned of the 22nd Medical Group Human Performance Flight’s accomplishments in creating the Air Force’s first cohort program. The 10-week cohort program is designed to help Airmen implement healthier lifestyle choices with physical fitness, nutrition classes and mental health practices.

“Mindfulness is something that people have to do over time and perfect,” said Christine Murray, 22nd Force Support Squadron integrated resilience team member.

Bass also visited the maintenance complex to hear from the teams that keep the KC-46 operational and some of the challenges of working with a new aircraft, including sourcing parts and materials. During her tour of the aircraft, Airmen from the 344th Air Refueling Squadron discussed the timeline that got the aircraft where it is today. McConnell received the Air Force’s first two KC-46s in 2019 and highlighted to Bass the major milestones accomplished by Team McConnell, such as the first operational long-endurance flight, the first use of night vision goggles and exercise LETHAL PRIDE.

In 2022, McConnell also demonstrated its capability of operating the new airframe from austere environments with a series of Employment Concept Exercises that integrated aircrews, as well as maintenance and information warfare Airmen to achieve whole-domain effects. Bass heard from some of these Airmen, including the intel and cyber teams that support the KC-46 and its systems as it faces potential future conflicts.

“When I came into the Air Force over 30 years ago, you really had to be strong in three warfighting domains: air, land and sea,” Bass said. “You had to have a strong army, you had to have a strong air force and you had to have a strong navy. Fast forward to today – not only do we have to be good in air, land and sea, but we better figure out really quickly how to be good in air, land, sea, space, cyber and information. Our adversaries and pacing challenges are modernizing fast. We need empowered Airmen at all levels to understand the threat and work together to build the Force of the Future our nation needs.”

Source: United States Air Force

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (AFNS) —  

Airmen from the 22nd and 931st Air Refueling Wings demonstrated how they foster more resilient members while staying at the forefront of the Air Force’s refueling enterprise during Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass’ visit November 28-29, 2023.

Team McConnell has achieved many accomplishments over the past few years. The implementation of several new programs allowed the team to continue contributing to the McConnell and Air Force missions. Different agencies from around the base discussed some of these programs and how they help members connect with others within their career field and across the base.

“I have a really strong foundation on [suicide] prevention, but as I’ve been here, I’ve noticed that relationships are just the cusp of starting that,” said Annie Carroll, 22nd and 722nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron True North clinical social worker.

True North was one of many programs McConnell recently implemented to help members that Bass heard about during her visit. The installation has also teamed up with Derby School District to open the first All Pro Dads chapter affiliated with a military base, allowing dads to spend more time with their kids and provide them and others with positive role models.

During September, the Integrated Resiliency team hosted a connection challenge designed to create more connections around base. The Chapel team talked about their peer-to-peer classes that encourage Airmen to connect more with their peers. McConnell has also begun implementing the True North program, which integrates clinical social workers into individual squadrons to provide more accessibility to mental health resources.

Bass also learned of the 22nd Medical Group Human Performance Flight’s accomplishments in creating the Air Force’s first cohort program. The 10-week cohort program is designed to help Airmen implement healthier lifestyle choices with physical fitness, nutrition classes and mental health practices.

“Mindfulness is something that people have to do over time and perfect,” said Christine Murray, 22nd Force Support Squadron integrated resilience team member.

Bass also visited the maintenance complex to hear from the teams that keep the KC-46 operational and some of the challenges of working with a new aircraft, including sourcing parts and materials. During her tour of the aircraft, Airmen from the 344th Air Refueling Squadron discussed the timeline that got the aircraft where it is today. McConnell received the Air Force’s first two KC-46s in 2019 and highlighted to Bass the major milestones accomplished by Team McConnell, such as the first operational long-endurance flight, the first use of night vision goggles and exercise LETHAL PRIDE.

In 2022, McConnell also demonstrated its capability of operating the new airframe from austere environments with a series of Employment Concept Exercises that integrated aircrews, as well as maintenance and information warfare Airmen to achieve whole-domain effects. Bass heard from some of these Airmen, including the intel and cyber teams that support the KC-46 and its systems as it faces potential future conflicts.

“When I came into the Air Force over 30 years ago, you really had to be strong in three warfighting domains: air, land and sea,” Bass said. “You had to have a strong army, you had to have a strong air force and you had to have a strong navy. Fast forward to today – not only do we have to be good in air, land and sea, but we better figure out really quickly how to be good in air, land, sea, space, cyber and information. Our adversaries and pacing challenges are modernizing fast. We need empowered Airmen at all levels to understand the threat and work together to build the Force of the Future our nation needs.”

Source: United States Air Force

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) —  

The United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Office of the Command Surgeon hosted a medical knowledge exchange with NATO allies Denmark and Bulgaria as well as U.S. partner nation Serbia, at Ramstein Air Base Germany, Nov. 28-Dec. 1, 2023.

The exchange granted the participants a chance to trade information and experience with one another to further integrate with their unique missions and form best practices.

“This workshop is more than just a meeting of minds,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Lyubormir Angelov, USAFE-AFAFRICA Office of the Command Surgeon international health specialist. “It’s a testament to the unwavering commitment to advancing military medicine and solidifying an alliance that transcends borders. We are proud to have NATO and partners here to make us stronger together.”

The medics from the four nations participated in multiple scenarios to discuss how each nation achieves their intended results and ways to combine them into the best practice. They visited locations such as the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Theater Patient Movement Requirement Center, 86th Medical Group Simulation Center and 86th MDG Flight Medicine Clinic. 

“The aim of this assembly is significant, offering an unmatched opportunity for partnership nation members to collaborate with U.S. subject matter experts,” Angelov said. “Collectively, we explored the intricacies of aerospace medicine, aeromedical evacuation, patient movement, and enhanced our simulation centers, creating a fertile ground for events like these.”

Participants also toured aeromedical facilities around the base and Kaiserslautern Military Community, including the Landstuhl Medical Simulation Center, Ramstein En-Route Patient Staging Flight, and 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron.

“The event is designed to showcase the latest aeromedical evacuation procedures and equipment on a U.S. airbase to our partner nations,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Nicola Morrison, USAFE-AFAFRICA Office of the Command Surgeon Europe Global Health Engagement Team Chief.

This opportunity helped strengthen bonds and foster interoperability as well as helped members network with one another.

“This is a great chance for key medical personnel in Serbia, Bulgaria and Denmark to make lasting connections with each other and with U.S. personnel to develop a sustainable relationship that serves as a starting point to share best methods for many years to come,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joel Foster, USAFE-AFAFRICA Office of the Command Surgeon global health engagements branch chief. “In this way, each country benefits from advancements in technology, processes and procedures for patient care and movement across the battlespace.”

Each of the participants from the four nations walked away from the knowledge exchange with something different. For Angelov, it was about the medics coming together to learn from each other and strengthen ties and partnerships.

“This is important for us to compare and contrast how we do business in our aerospace medical program,” said Bulgarian air force 2nd Lt Boryana Ralcheva, medical simulation training center instructor. “We want to see what works here and see if we can apply it to our program. We do not want to invent something new if it is already in service. This is a great opportunity for us and I look forward to the next knowledge exchange.”

Source: United States Air Force

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall made it clear that the Air Force and Space Force are fully committed — and pushing hard — to develop and deploy artificial intelligence as a key element in meeting security challenges posed by China and other adversaries Dec. 2.

Kendall’s remarks were not new, but by voicing them during a session at the influential Reagan National Defense Forum, he added additional weight to the Department of the Air Force’s efforts to use AI as part of a larger push to modernize.

“I care a lot about civil society and the law of armed conflict,” Kendall said. “Our policies are written around those laws. You don’t enforce laws against machines, you enforce them against people. Our challenge is not to limit what we can do with AI but to find how to hold people accountable for what the AI does. The way we should approach is to figure out how to apply the laws of armed conflict to the applications of AI. Who do we hold responsible for the performance of that AI and what do we require institutions to do before we field these kinds of capabilities and use them operationally.”

Kendall pointed out that China and other adversaries are aggressively using AI, and while the U.S. maintains an edge, it is shrinking. Kendall’s comments dovetailed with those from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin, who said at a separate session during the conference that the Air Force must modernize to properly meet the security threats of today.

Part of that effort, Allvin said, is diligently working to integrate AI and machine learning into new capabilities that mesh seamlessly with mission needs and proven technologies, while understanding performance tradeoffs.

“I do believe the future is going to be about human-machine teaming,” Allvin said. “Optimizing the performance and being able to operate at speed. That investment in our collaborative combat aircraft program is what is going to get us there.”

Speed and automation of AI systems have vastly shortened decision timelines. That’s why the DoD’s National Defense Strategy focuses on accelerating decision making and the way information is analyzed and shared.

“We are leveraging algorithms and starting with data fusion and being able to gain insights,” Allvin said. “The changing character of war is speed. If we are going to be privileging speed and have massive amounts of data, the ability to have algorithms and the tools that support and let the analysts do what only humans can do which is make that human decision.”

“Our job on the government side more than anything else is to thoroughly understand this technology, have the expertise we need to really get into the details of it and appreciate how it really works,” Kendall said. “To be creative about helping industry find new applications for that technology and developing ways to evaluate it get the confidence we’re going to need to ensure that it can be used ethically and reliably when it is in the hands of our warfighters.”

Replacing obsolete, legacy systems by harnessing emerging information, communications, and AI technologies to provide operational targeting and decision support with the speed, adaptability and resilience needed to fight in a highly contested environment is a priority for DAF and falls under Kendall’s Operation Imperatives.

“The critical parameter on the battlefield is time,” Kendall said. “The AI will be able to do much more complicated things much more accurately and much faster than human beings can. If the human is in the loop, you will lose. You can have human supervision and watch over what the AI is doing, but if you try to intervene you are going to lose. The difference in how long it takes a person to do something and how long it takes the AI to do something is the key difference.”

Rapid AI development requires DAF to be agile and adaptable in its approach, focusing on rapid testing, experimentation and deployment. The Department of Defense continues to maintain a robust regulatory and ethical framework to ensure the responsible use of AI in defense.

Both men stressed the importance of innovation. Allvin said that innovation is a critical element of modernization and is necessary for maintaining readiness.

“War is a human thing and the ability to leverage technology with human innovation is something we can never walk away from as we’re continuing to develop and more sophisticated systems,” Allvin said.

The Reagan National Defense Forum, celebrating “10 Years of Promoting Peace Through Strength,” brings together leaders from across the political spectrum and key stakeholders in the defense community, including members of Congress, current and former presidential administration officials, senior military leadership, industry executives, technology innovators and thought leaders. Their mission is to review and assess policies that strengthen America’s national defense in the context of the global threat environment.

Source: United States Air Force

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS)  —  

In this week’s look around the Air Force, the application window for Airmen to become rated officers is now open, the Air Reserve component launches a direct commissioning program for cyber career fields, and commercial aircraft refuel Air Force fighters for the first time. (Hosted by Tech. Sgt. Vernon Young)

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For previous episodes, click here for the Air Force TV page.