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Source: United States Air Force
FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) —
In this week’s look around the Air Force, leaders speak at the Global Air and Space Chiefs’ Conference in London about collective agility and integrated defense. They also sign a shared vision agreement with the Royal Air Force on 21st century cooperation. (Hosted by Staff Sgt. Milton Hamilton)
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For previous episodes, click here for the Air Force TV page.
Source: United States Air Force
ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —
In an effort to codify the success and significant gains made in line with the Operational Imperatives, Department of the Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall stood up the Integrated Capabilities Office July 19.
Driven by the need to rapidly modernize the DAF to meet emerging challenges in an era of Great Power Competition, the ICO seeks to institutionalize the speed, agility and rapid innovation that the Operational Imperatives have brought to the force.
“The Integrated Capabilities Office will directly support the Department of the Air Force senior leadership team as we develop our integrated modernization plans for the Air Force and Space Force,” Kendall said. “China, our pacing challenge, is modernizing its military with the intent to defeat U.S. power projection capabilities. We will not let that happen.”
The Operational Imperatives were born out of necessity. Upon his arrival in 2021, Kendall ordered a series of studies and analyses that identified key capability gaps within the force. Seven areas of need were determined imperative to meet the pacing challenge: Resilient Space Order of Battle and Architectures, Joint All-Domain Command and Control, Moving Target Engagement at Scale, Next Generation Air Dominance, Resilient Forward Basing, B-21 Long-Range Strike Family of Systems, and Readiness for Wartime Posture.
Initiated under the DAF’s optimization for Great Power Competition, the ICO is a Secretariat-level office that will continue the work of the Operational Imperatives. Prior to initiation of GPC, the Operational Imperative teams operated mostly ad hoc, which allowed for innovation, speed and agility.
The ICO will facilitate agile Integrated Development Campaign Teams led and staffed by operational experts from the newly formed U.S. Space Force Space Futures Command and U.S. Air Force Integrated Capabilities Command, and acquisition professionals from Air Force Materiel Command’s Integrated Development Office and Space Force acquisition organizations.
The campaign teams will work imperative problem sets and provide data-driven solutions and recommendations. The ICO will incorporate these results into prioritized recommendations for modernization and will collaborate with other organizations to integrate these priorities, along with other portfolios, into the budgeting process.
The ICO will remain in a primarily advisory role but will have direct access to the Secretary and senior leadership, with the ability to make highly collaborative and unfiltered, recommendations to ensure emerging capability opportunities get a voice in the enterprise.
Many of the current Operational Imperatives will graduate to existing programs of record and stakeholder teams.
The ICO, in conjunction with the Integrated Capabilities Command and Space Futures Command, will optimize capability development through assessment, development, integration, and fielding of future capabilities that will rapidly modernize the DAF and preserve the advantages U.S. forces have benefited from for decades. The ICO is on schedule to be fully staffed and resourced by the end of 2024.
Source: United States Air Force
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AFNS) —
Air Force Research Laboratory technical directorates from AFWERX and Munitions teamed up to host a Collider event aimed at exploring commercial solutions for software-enabled weapons at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, July 17-18.
Colliders give Air Force leaders the opportunity to share the same room with industry to spark interaction and unleash American ingenuity to solve warfighter problems. More than 60 industry professionals attended to address the problem proposed by the Munitions Directorate located at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, which involves the years-long process of improving weapon performance and the difficulty of analyzing and exploiting vast operational data.
“Today’s event is a learning opportunity for everyone involved,” said Dr. David Lambert, AFRL Munitions Directorate chief scientist. “We don’t have all the answers yet for software-enabled capabilities. We are here to collaborate and set the stage for future advancements while ensuring we meet acquisition timelines and usability standards.”
During the two-day event, participants explored ways to radically accelerate the weapon performance update cycle, delving into topics such as innovative modular software pipelines and AI-based decision-making. One of the primary issues addressed was the lengthy time frame required to improve weapon performance, posing a significant challenge in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
“The problem is the speed at which it takes or the time it takes to improve weapons,” said Dr. Will Curtis, AFRL Munitions Directorate science and technology adviser. “Typically, it’s measured in years. You might use a weapon and see a deficiency. And then the time it takes to improve that via some kind of change, whether that’s hardware or software, takes years. We’d like to reduce that time down to months, weeks or days.”
The event also provided an opportunity for industry representatives to present their ideas and solutions. The choice of Huntsville as the event location was strategic, the Munitions Directorate chose the city due to its significant defense industry presence and proximity to the Missile Defense Agency.
“We want to find new ideas and innovative ways to tackle software-enabled weapons,” Curtis added. “We’re also exploring the concept of an app store for weapons, where apps can be developed and integrated into weapon systems.”
As the event concluded, the focus shifted to future collaborations and continued learning. Attendees were informed that solicitations for AFWERX Specific Topics on software-enabled weapons will be posted later this year and small businesses will be able to propose solutions to specific Department of the Air Force needs.
“The idea is that there could be collaborative funding opportunities emerging from this event,” said James Foutz, AFWERX Collider lead. “Additionally, this can serve as a market research event to help the Munitions Directorate better refine Specific Topics or future requirements for other solicitations. That’s the thought process behind it.”
Source: United States Air Force
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) —
Air Force officials have selected the service’s top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2024.
An Air Force selection board at the Air Force’s Personnel Center considered 35 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and Headquarters Air Force. The board selected the 12 Airmen based on superior leadership, job performance and personal achievements.
The 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year (alphabetically, by rank and command of assignment when selected) are:
The winners are authorized to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon with the bronze service star device on the ribbon. They are also authorized to wear the OAY badge for one year from the date of formal presentation.
Source: United States Air Force
WASHINGTON (AFNS) —
Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander, alongside Lt. Gen. David Tabor, U.S. Air Force deputy chief of staff for plans and programs, and Rear Adm. Derek Trinque, U.S. Transportation Command director of strategic plans, policy and logistics, testified in front of the House Armed Services subcommittee on seapower and projection forces, July 23, on connectivity of the U.S. Air Force mobility fleet.
The hearing occurred exactly one year after Exercise Mobility Guardian 2023, which revealed a critical need for mobility connectivity in a contested environment.
“To date, AMC always responds to the call,” In his written statement to the House Armed Forces Committee, Minihan explained, “Focusing on developing AMC’s connectivity enables the Joint Force to act at tempo and scale, improving Joint Force survivability, meaningful maneuver and lethality.”
On Monday, July 22, Minihan and Chief Master Sgt. Jamie Newman, AMC command chief, also hosted a Congressional delegation aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker to demonstrate the capabilities and advantages line of site and beyond line of site communications could bring to the mobility fleet.
The Fairchild Air Force Base KC-135, equipped with a real-time information in the cockpit data link system, was used during the demonstration showing the capabilities while refueling mission F-16s and a KC-46.
“RTIC provides interoperability through secure means between aircraft as well as between ground stations,” Capt. Robert Schaefer, a pilot assigned to the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron, explained. “It enables our tankers to act as more of a tactical data link node and it gives us, as aircrew, a lot more situational awareness.”
“Mission systems are needed on board AMC aircraft to integrate, interpret and present data to decision makers at the edge in a relevant way to empower those decision makers if, and when, disconnected,” Minihan wrote.
Soon after MG23, Minihan announced a new command initiative, 25×25, focused on the goal of connecting 25 percent of the fleet by 2025 in an effort to expedite closing the gap ahead of the normal budget cycle.
“Mobility Guardian 2023 highlighted the challenges we will experience while operating legacy equipment across vast distances without the necessary connectivity tools,” Minihan explained, “With connectivity, our air mobility enterprise will create synergistic effects for the Joint team, allowing them to sense, make sense, and maneuver at a tempo necessary to prevail.”
Air Mobility Command provides Rapid Global Mobility, and is globally relied upon to project, connect, maneuver and safeguard our Nation’s troops, their equipment and its citizens, whether it is to transport the wounded home or sustain lethality for the Joint Force in competition, crisis and conflict.
“Decades of low-intensity conflict and decades of under-investment in mobility connectivity have left our Air Mobility assets without the ability to tie into current Air Force and Joint battle networks.” Minihan said, “This has left our aircraft and our ground support systems blind to blue force movements and red force threats.”
The current Mobility Air Forces are the most relied upon force in the history of warfare, which requires the most connectivity, Minihan continued.
“We are running out of time and the need to act is even more urgent if we are going to be prepared when the Nation calls.” Minihan said, “Through tenacity, grit, and determination, Airmen routinely fill the gap between what they have and what they wish they had. Because of our Airmen, we are going to win. Our job is to make a fight unfair, and to give that Airman every tool and every advantage necessary to be successful.”
Source: United States Air Force
SINGAPORE (AFNS) —
The Business and Enterprise Systems Product Innovation team recently visited Singapore to deepen its collaborative efforts with the Republic of Singapore Air Force, marking a pivotal moment in advancing international software innovation within the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense.
During the visit, BESPIN’s leadership team led by Lt. Col. Jon Drummond, BESPIN chief executive officer, engaged with key RSAF representatives. Discussions focused on the successful Stargazer project, User-Centered Design, Robotic Process Automation, product management strategy, Agile Contracting Mechanisms, talent management, DevSecOps, future joint initiatives, data operations, and challenges.
“Our partnership with the RSAF underscores our shared commitment to leveraging technology to address complex challenges and deliver impactful solutions for our respective Air Force’s,” Drummond said. “We are excited to further strengthen this collaboration.”
The visit builds upon the foundations laid in November 2022, when members of the RSAF Agile Innovation Digital team visited BESPIN’s facilities in Montgomery, Alabama. This initial collaboration resulted in a bilateral military partnership, where five RSAF Airmen worked with BESPIN, leading to the development of Stargazer – a software plugin addressing data spillage in open text fields.
BESPIN’s delegation showcased their expertise in development, security and operations led by Dave Cantrell, BESPIN’s chief information security officer, which highlighted BESPIN’s capability to rapidly move technology solutions from concept to deployment.
“The RSAF’s dedication to innovation aligns seamlessly with BESPIN’s mission to empower Airmen worldwide through cutting-edge software solutions,” added Lt. Col. Tyler Hough, BESPIN chief operating officer. “We look forward to exploring new avenues for collaboration and harnessing the power of software innovation to drive mission success.”
During the week-long tech session, “Beyond DevSecOps,” two additional topics took center stage: Design and RPA. In the design track discussion collaborative groups delved into user-centered design, underscoring the significance of these principles in crafting groundbreaking solutions. As BESPIN maintains its role as the U.S. Air Force design as a service center of excellence, these discussions provided invaluable insights into future operations and design as a service.
A keynote speech was given by, Matthew Roberts, Department of the Air Force Bot Automation Center of Excellence program manager, on how RPA plays a crucial role in the collaboration. Both BESPIN and RSAF recognize the potential of RPA in streamlining operations, reducing manual tasks and improving efficiency. The integration of RPA technologies will further enhance automating future initiatives and driving innovation across both air rorces.
In addition to official meetings, the BESPIN team toured several RSAF facilities and historical venues, gaining insights into their history, advanced technologies and operational capabilities.
BESPIN is a software solution center chartered to build the U.S. Air Force Mobile Center of Excellence and scale cloud and mobile application development across the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense.
Source: United States Air Force
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) —
While flying in international airspace and in accordance with international law, the U.S. B-52 aircraft were intercepted by two Russian aircraft over the Barents Sea at approximately 8 a.m. Central European Time. The U.S. aircraft did not change course due to the intercept and continued along their scheduled flight plan without incident, allowing the B-52s to perform their pre-planned mission which included integration alongside NATO fighter aircraft before landing at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base.
While deployed, the B-52s will operate as the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and will integrate with NATO allies and other international partners to synchronize capabilities and assure security commitments across the U.S. European Command area of responsibility.
This marks the first time U.S. strategic bomber aircraft have operated out of Romania.
“In today’s global environment, it is vital that we be postured to deliver a range of sustainable capability from great distances. This iteration of Bomber Task Force offers an excellent opportunity to refine our agile combat employment tactics, techniques, and procedures,” said Gen. James Hecker, USAFE-AFAFRICA commander. “Through collaborative efforts with our allies, the U.S. enables our forces to combat current and future threats.”
The U.S. routinely demonstrates its commitment to NATO allies and partners through BTF missions. Through these missions, USAFE-AFAFRICA enables dynamic force employment in the European theater, providing strategic predictability and assurance for allies and partners while contributing to deterrence by introducing greater operational unpredictability for potential adversaries.
“The U.S. is dedicated to work alongside our NATO allies and partners along the Eastern Flank to ensure we have the combined skills and coordination capabilities necessary to maintain regional safety, security, and stability,” Hecker said.
Regular and routine deployments of U.S. strategic bombers demonstrate how the U.S. and NATO are ready, postured, and well prepared to integrate with host-nation allies and partners to deter threats and defend the alliance.
Source: United States Air Force
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) —
The United States Air Force’s T-1A Jayhawk made its final flight with the 99th Flying Training Squadron on July 15, soaring from Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph in Texas to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.
The journey marks the end of an era for the venerable trainer aircraft, which has been a cornerstone in the training of air mobility and combat systems officers for three decades.
“It was an honor to be a part of the final Red Tail T-1 flight,” said Lt. Col. Dominique Haig, 99th Flying Training Squadron commander, who piloted the flight with Lt. Cols. Megan Pasierb and Christopher Puccia of the 39th Flying Training Squadron. “They’ve been a workhorse for the past 31 years preparing the instructor pilots and combat systems operators for the Mobility Air Force, Air Force Special Operations Command and Air Combat Command.”
The T-1A Jayhawk, a military version of the Beechjet 400A, first entered service in the early 1990s. It has since played a crucial role in preparing thousands of pilots for service in various airframes, including the C-17 Globemaster III, KC-135 Stratotanker and C-130 Hercules. The aircraft’s retirement is part of a broader transition to modernize the Air Force’s training fleet and tactics.
As the Air Force shifts its training program from the T-1A to the advanced sixth-generation trainer T-7A Red Hawk. The retirement of the T-1A reflects ongoing efforts to enhance training efficiency and effectiveness. The T-7A, with its state-of-the-art systems and capabilities, is expected to provide more realistic and comprehensive training scenarios, better preparing Airmen for the demands of modern aerial operations.
In addition to modernizing training platforms, the Air Force is also integrating advanced simulation technologies, which allow for more flexible and varied training environments. These innovations aim to maintain the high standards of training excellence while adapting to the evolving needs of the Air Force.
“While we are closing one chapter in Air Force pilot training, we are gearing up for the next,” Haig said. “The 99th FTS is making initial preparations for the reception of the T-7 Red Hawk. From renovating buildings to support T-7 training to T-7 academic courseware development and review. It’s a heavy lift to stand up a new Mission Design Series.”
Currently, Undergraduate Pilot Training instructs pilots assigned to mobility, special operations, and command, control and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft through the T-6 Texan II program followed by the simulator-based course Air Mobility Fundamentals-Simulator to teach crew and multi-engine fundamentals and competencies. The pilot would then go to a weapons system training course that is specific to the pilot’s assigned operation aircraft.
The legacy of the T-1A Jayhawk will endure, not only in the memories of those who flew it but also in the continuing evolution of Air Force training. The last flight symbolizes a bridge between the past and the future, underscoring the Air Force’s commitment to excellence and innovation in preparing the next generation of aviators.
Source: United States Air Force
ROYAL AIR FORCE FAIRFORD, United Kingdom (AFNS) —
The Royal International Air Tattoo, or RIAT, known as the world’s largest military airshow, is held annually and brings together military and political leaders from over 25 nations to integrate and liaise with each other and for aircraft to perform for over 200,000 spectators.
This year’s show commemorated the 75th Anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and reflected upon the fundamental role of NATO today.
Annual participation by the U.S. Air Force reinforces U.S. commitment to allies and partners in Europe and bolsters the strength and unity of NATO.
“Alongside our allies and partners, the 2024 Royal International Air Tattoo is a perfect forum to celebrate the 75th anniversary of NATO,” Hecker said. “Continued participation in RIAT showcases our commitment to confronting today’s challenges together and demonstrates the responsibility we share in promoting global security and stability.”
Hecker discussed the unique opportunity RIAT provides the U.S. Air Force to foster a sense of solidarity and mutual support among Allied and partner nations.
The F-35A Lightning II from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath was highlighted during the air show for its importance as the future of fifth-generation airpower and interoperability among NATO allies.
The KC-135R Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing at RAF Mildenhall also showcased the aerial refueling capabilities provided throughout the European theater.
Additional aircraft included F-15E Strike Eagles, from the 48th FW, RAF Lakenheath, F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, the U-2 from the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California, currently based at RAF Fairford, and the C-130J Hercules and C-21A Learjet from the 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
Source: United States Air Force
ROYAL AIR FORCE FAIRFORD, England (AFNS) —
RIAT, known as the world’s largest military airshow, is held annually and brings together military and political leaders from over 25 nations to integrate and liaise with each other and for aircraft to perform for over 200,000 spectators.
This year’s show commemorated the 75th Anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and reflected upon the fundamental role of NATO today.
Annual participation by the U.S. Air Force reinforces U.S. commitment to allies and partners in Europe and bolsters the strength and unity of NATO.
“Alongside our allies and partners, the 2024 Royal International Air Tattoo is a perfect forum to celebrate the 75th anniversary of NATO,” Hecker said. “Continued participation in RIAT showcases our commitment to confronting today’s challenges together and demonstrates the responsibility we share in promoting global security and stability.”
Hecker discussed the unique opportunity RIAT provides the U.S. Air Force to foster a sense of solidarity and mutual support among Allied and partner nations.
The F-35A Lightning II from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath was highlighted during the air show for its importance as the future of fifth-generation airpower and interoperability among NATO Allies.
The KC-135R Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing at RAF Mildenhall also showcased the aerial refueling capabilities provided throughout the European theater.
Additional aircraft included F-15E Strike Eagles, from the 48th FW, RAF Lakenheath, F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, the U-2 from the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California, currently based at RAF Fairford, and the C-130J Hercules and C-21A Learjet from the 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.