Source: United States Air Force
Headline: The maintainers behind global power
For approximately 100 crew chiefs who call the 171st home, their work goes far beyond routine maintenance and pre-flight inspections. Every takeoff is backed by hours of training, working in year-round weather conditions, and nonstop troubleshooting to keep the nearly 70-year-old KC-135s flying.
Source: US Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff
Headline: Readout of Bilateral Engagement with the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Christopher J. Mahoney and the Chief of Defense of the Slovenian Armed Forces
Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Christopher J. Mahoney met with the Chief of Defense of the Slovenian Armed Forces, Boštjan Močnik, at the Pentagon on July 29. During their engagement, the leaders discussed shared transatlantic security priorities, including regional stability in the Western Balkans. The leaders also Slovenia’s strategic position as a critical bridge between Central Europe and the Western Balkans.
Source: United States Air Force
Headline: Basic Cadet Training program prepares basics for Academy life
Every summer, the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Basic Cadet Training program introduces its newest basic cadets to military life. Over 38 days, MTIs and Cadet Cadre teach the customs, standards and teamwork that prepare them for the academic year and life in the Cadet Wing.
Source: United States Air Force
Headline: McConnell AFB team member creates innovative solution to persistent problem
A McConnell Air Force Base Innovation Lab initiative led to the creation of a 3D-printed funnel that improves KC-46A Pegasus engine servicing. The innovation, developed by Tech. Sgt. Brandon Branstetter, reduces oil spillage and saves the Air Force procurement time and money by utilizing durable, fuel-resistant thermoplastic polyurethane.
Source: United States Air Force
Headline: Air Force conducts live-fire test for Collaborative Combat Aircraft program
The Department of the Air Force successfully conducted a live-fire test of a YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, firing an AIM-120 weapon at a digital target. The test demonstrates program maturity and operational validation while emphasizing the retention of human oversight for weapon release.
Source: United States Air Force
Headline: CSAF, CMSAF discuss readiness, quality of life during Aviano AB visit
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David R. Wolfe visited Aviano Air Base, Italy, to discuss readiness and quality-of-life initiatives with Airmen of the 31st Fighter Wing. The leaders addressed challenges such as the Italian visa process, dormitory conditions, and physical fitness standards, emphasizing that caring for Airmen and their families directly enhances operational readiness and combat capability.
Source: United States Air Force
Headline: Air Force shapes requirements for a new era of uncrewed airpower
The Air Force is partnering with the Defense Innovation Unit to leverage DIU’s expertise in rapidly prototyping and fielding commercial technologies. This partnership is crucial for developing next-generation capabilities that will inform the future of the MQ-9 Reaper fleet.
Source: United States Air Force
Headline: F-15EX returns to Pacific
The 85th TES deployed the F-15EX Eagle II to Japan’s Kadena AB to train with the 18th Wing and test human-machine teaming with an uncrewed MQ-28 Ghost Bat, advancing Defense of War’s lethality goals in the Indo-Pacific.
Source: United States Air Force
Headline: Air Force earns top accolades in 2026 DoW Environmental Awards
In the 2026 DoW Environmental Awards, the Department of the Air Force earned top honors in four categories highlighting its commitment to environmental stewardship strengthening mission readiness and improving the quality of life for Airmen, Guardians and their families and the communities that host DAF installations.
Source: US Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff
Headline: Readout: Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Addresses 2026 African Chiefs of Defense Conference
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered a virtual keynote address from the Pentagon to launch the 2026 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) in Luanda, Angola. Mirroring the opening charge from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Gen. Mahoney urged the gathered senior military leaders to engage in frank, direct dialogue to address the highly interconnected, multi-domain, and transnational threats facing the continent. He emphasized that because modern adversaries—including violent extremist organizations and trans-national criminal organizations—operate across fluid borders, partner nations must move beyond polite formalities and actively build unified, connected response networks to safeguard regional stability and enable long-term economic prosperity.