Air Force Reserve Command
Air Education and Training Command: The US Air Force’s T-1A Jayhawk made its final flight with the 99th Flying Training Squadron, soaring from Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
The journey marks the end of an era for the trainer aircraft, which has been a cornerstone in the training of air mobility and combat systems officers for three decades. The T-1A 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.
“It was an honor to be a part of the final Red Tail T-1 flight,” said Lt. Col. Dominique Haig (99 FTS/CC), who piloted the final flight alongside Lt Col Megan Pasierb (39 FTS/PIT program manager) and Lt. Col. Christopher Puccia (39 FTS/DO). “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.”
Several aviation-related organizations were onsite at Barksdale Air Force Base to demonstrate multiple technologies of the B-52 Stratofortress. These demonstrations included maintenance capabilities using unmanned aerial systems, AI software, stand-alone networks and augmented reality devices. “Our maintainers do physical scans of the aircraft every 180 days and again every 450 flight hours, but there are areas that are difficult and time-consuming to inspect due to access,” said Master Sgt. Brett Jordan (307th AMXS/MXA). The upgraded software has the ability to instantly provide feedback on the aircraft’s surface.
Air Force Reserve Maj. Michael Medrano (A3/C-5/DM4 FAM) received the Airman’s Medal for his act of heroism last summer when he saved two children. While vacationing in Port Aransas, Medrano noticed that two children were standing on an elevated rock jetty that had been consumed by a wave and then they fell into the water. The stormy day heightened fears in the children during the rescue, but Medrano assured them of their safety and return to shore. Medrano said he was grateful that the children did not drown or become permanently injured and that they are able to continue living a happy life.
Air Force Special Operations Command / AFRC: In a historic first, Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) successfully landed an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship on Highway 63 in Bono, Ark. This operation was part of a broader exercise, Emerald Warrior Field Training Exercise II, designed to showcase AFSOC’s Agile Combat Employment capabilities. The exercise provided an opportunity for participating units to refine their skills and advance ongoing pathfinding and experimentation efforts within AFSOC.
“This exercise serves as a significant milestone for AFSOC, demonstrating our ability to operate in diverse and austere environments,” said Tech Sgt. Robert Gallagher (370 SOCTS/CTOIP lead planner for the highway landings). “By leveraging ACE concepts, we enhance our operational flexibility and resilience.” Shortly after the AC-130J landing, a C-146A Wolfhound and an MC-130J Commando II from the 492nd Special Operations Wing landed on the five-lane highway.