MC-12 in Afghanistan

MC-12 in Afghanistan: The first Air Force MC-12W intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance aircraft destined for operations in Afghanistan arrived Dec. 27 at Bagram Airfield. That same day, Bagram's 455th Air Expeditionary Wing stood up the 4th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, which will operate the twin-engine turboprop aircraft. "Knowledge is power and that is what we provide," said Lt. Col. Douglas Lee, the new unit's commander. Such knowledge, he added, "will help protect Afghans, provide security, and protect coalition lives." The MC-12 provides real-time full-motion video to ground troops and also collects signals intelligence. By late summer 2010, the Air Force expects to have 24 MC-12s operating in Afghanistan out of a force of 30 combat-ready airframes. The other six are already operating in Iraq out of Joint Base Balad. In addition to those 30, there will be another seven MC-12s based stateside that are dedicated to training. (Bagram report by TSgt. John Jung)

12/29/2009

Verbatim

Appreciative Host
"I know you're here during a difficult time. You're here through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. I promise you, we will find turkeys."
—Republic of Lithuania Chief of Defence Maj. Gen. Arvydas Pocius, expressing his thanks to airmen of the 493rd Fighter Squadron from RAF Lakenheath, Britain, who on Sept. 1, 2010, began a four-month stint with their F-15s in Lithuania to protect the airspace of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania under NATO's Baltic air policing mission.

Verbatim

Family Momentum
"In many ways, this was what the Year of the Air Force Family was all about—connecting airmen and their families with the resources they need. I have confidence the Air Force will capitalize on this strong momentum in the years ahead by continuing to improve our family support programs and ensuring people know what resources are available."
—Suzie Schwartz, wife of USAF Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, commenting on the accomplishments of the Year of the Air Force Family initiative that concluded in July, in a statement provided to the Daily Report, Aug. 22, 2010.