USAF, Boeing Make Progress on KC-46 Fixes

By Brian W. Everstine

The Air Force recently resolved two Category 1 deficiencies on the troubled KC-46 tanker, both problems with the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit that could impact the safety of flight. However, the four remaining issues are still years away from being solved. The KC-46’s APU, located in its tail, developed two serious problems, one with a duct clamp that was moving excessively and another with a drain mast on the outside of the tail that could potentially break loose. As of the end of January, both problems have been addressed, with one closed and the other downgraded to a Category 2, or less serious, deficiency, AMC boss Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost told reporters Feb. 1.

SPACECOM Warns Adversaries in New Strategy Overview

By Rachel S. Cohen

U.S. Space Command in its new strategy paper warns of a future with “increasingly capable competitors” and a “long-term security threat” posed by Russia and China, claiming the right of self-defense as America and its allies expand their space economies and look to permanently return to the moon. This is the latest document to warn that the United States will hit back if its satellites, radars, and other space systems are endangered. It also broadly outlines goals for training, partnerships, and cybersecurity.

B-52s Return to Guam for Task Force Deployment

By Brian W. Everstine

Four B-52s from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in late January, as part of a Bomber Task Force deployment to Pacific Air Forces, where they will train with allied and partner forces. “Deploying as a Bomber Task Force exercises our ability to produce agile combat power in any location we are needed,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Duff, 96th Bomb Squadron commander, in a PACAF release. It's the first time Barksdale BUFFs have deployed to Guam since December 2018.

Watchdog: Airstrikes Increase in Afghanistan Despite Drawdown, Taliban Agreement

By Brian W. Everstine

U.S. airstrikes are increasing in Afghanistan as the Taliban continues its attacks, despite ongoing peace negotiations and the drawdown of American forces in the country, a watchdog report finds. The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, in its quarterly report to Congress released Feb. 1, said American strikes in the country rose for the second straight quarter, even though U.S. aircraft are no longer conducting offensive strikes and are only doing defensive operations in support of Afghan forces.

CMSAF: COVID-19 Will Dictate When Air Force PT Tests Resume

By Jennifer-Leigh Oprihory

It’s too soon to tell whether the Air Force will delay mandatory physical fitness testing past April, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass told Airmen during a Feb. 1 Facebook town hall. Bass said she expects the service will examine the COVID-19 situation “at least” 30 days ahead of the tentative restart date before deciding whether to postpone the assessments for the fourth time since the pandemic began.

30 Years After Desert Storm: Feb. 2

In commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of Operation Desert Storm, Air Force Magazine is posting daily recollections from the six-week war, which expelled Iraq from occupied Kuwait.

Virtual Events: 7th Air Force Command Team on AFA’s ‘Air and Space Warfighters in Action,’ and More

By Jennifer-Leigh Oprihory

On Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. EST, the Air Force Association will present the latest installment of its “Air and Space Warfighters in Action” series featuring Seventh Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Scott L. Pleus and Chief Master Sgt. Philip B. Hudson, the numbered Air Force's command chief master sergeant. Advanced registration is required, and space is limited. Register for the webinar here.