Travis Tailwind: May 1, 2026

TRAVIS TAILWIND

LOW AND SLOW

Aerial demonstrations entertain at Wings over Solano Air Show

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Hill Air Force Base fighter squadron chosen as top in the AF

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HILL AIR FORCE

BASE, Utah — The “Rude Rams” of the 388th Fighter Wing’s 34th Fighter Squadron have won the 2025 Raytheon Award, which recognizes the top fighter squadron in the United States Air Force.

It was a busy year in 2025, which saw the 34th FS and 34th Fighter Generation Squadron deploy the F-35A Lightning II in support of combat and contingency operations in the U.S. Central Command and U.S. IndoPacific Command areas of responsibility.

“This award recognizes more than just capability – it recognizes a warrior mindset,” said Gen. Adrian Spain, commander of Air Combat Command. “The airmen of the 34th have demonstrated an unwavering resolve to take the fight to the enemy, generating lethal effects under the most demanding conditions. That is the essence of readiness – not just being ready to deploy but being ready to win.”

The squadron was deployed 11 out of 12 months, flew thousands of combat hours, and contributed significantly to two historic operations in CENTCOM: Rough Rider and Midnight Hammer.

Operation Rough Rider’s objective was to disintegrate the capabilities of the Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen. During the operation, pilots from the 34th FS contributed to strikes that destroyed air defense systems, command-andcontrol facilities, weapons storage facilities, surfaceto-air missile and ballistic missile capabilities. They also recorded the first air-to-air kills from an F-35A against one-way attack drones.

“The 34th FS has set a standard for fighter squadrons,” said Col. Charles Fallon, 388th FW commander. “Their achievements in combat and their dedication to advancing F-35A warfighting capabilities are a testament to the profes-

sionalism of our airmen.”

On June 22, 2025, the 34th was called upon to escort a strike package, including B-2 Spirit bombers, into Iran’s contested airspace to strike underground nuclear sites at Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan, during Operation Midnight Hammer.

A formation of F-35s flown by 34th FS pilots were the first aircraft to penetrate Iranian airspace, suppressing enemy air defenses and escorting the B-2s to their target areas.

The operation called for precise timing and fearless flying from the fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft that were part of the strike package.

“To see the squadron grow and get to a spot where the airmen are comfortable living and working in a place where they’re being shot at and still be experts … it was impressive to see,” said Lt. Col. Aaron Osborne, 34th FS commander. “It was the maintainers in the 34th FGS, that we deploy sideby-side with, that made all these sorties possible.”

The squadron also supported U.S. naval forces, providing defensive air cover for multiple carrier strike groups transiting through maritime chokepoints in CENTCOM.

During a previous deployment to U.S. IndoPacific Command, also in 2025, the squadron executed dozens of alert scrambles to counter aggression and reinforce U.S. commitments to stability. In addition to overseas deployments, the squadron supported homeland defense by flying several sorties in support of the President of the United States and Operation Noble Eagle.

The 34th FS was the first combat-coded F-35A squadron in the U.S. Air Force and is the most decorated F-35 unit in history – earning a Galant Unit Citation for its actions in CENTCOM. Airmen received dozens of nominations and awards for heroism and combat achievement, including nominations for the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star.

BASE — Capt. Francisco Trujillo, Fairfield Fire Department firefighter paramedic and SWAT tactical medic, flew backseat with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds April 24, at Travis Air Force Base ahead of the Wings Over Solano Air Show.

A Hometown Hero is described as someone who makes a lasting impact within their community through service, leadership and mentorship. The Thunderbirds recognize individuals who exemplify these qualities by providing a firsthand look at the precision and professionalism required to execute their mission.

“It’s a great honor,” Trujillo said. “I didn’t expect to get any acknowledgement or reward for just doing my job. I feel like there’s a lot of other good people that do the same thing that I do.”

A chance meeting with a firefighter introduced

him to emergency medical services and set him on a path that would eventually lead to the fire service.

Over the years, that path became one of leadership and responsibility. Trujillo now serves as a fire captain and leads a team of tactical medics supporting SWAT operations, responding alongside law enforcement during high-risk

incidents and critical situations across the city.

In those moments, his role is not only to provide care, but to ensure others make it home safely.

Outside of emergency response, Trujillo has also dedicated time to mentoring aspiring firefighters and younger members of his community, carrying that same leadership into every space he’s in.

After initial briefings with the Thunderbirds team, Trujillo went through a flight physical and received training on how to handle the physical demands of high-performance flight, including the effects of G-forces and proper breathing techniques He was then fitted for

Travis AFB Exchange shoppers can win big in Red Bull Shopping Spree Sweepstakes

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TRAVIS AIR FORCE

BASE — While Red Bull can give you wings, entering the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s latest sweepstakes can give military shoppers a chance at winning a $500 gift card. Through May 31, authorized Exchange shoppers 18 and older can enter at ShopMyExchange.com/ sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 20 prizes. Ten grand-prize winners will receive a $500 Exchange gift card, and 10 first-prize winners will receive a Red

Bull KTM Racing Team

Rev backpack valued at more than $150.

“Sweepstakes provide military members and their families a chance to win prizes that make a difference in their quality of life,” said Travis Exchange General Manager Cathie Byrns. “Offering these

contests makes shopping the Exchange even more of a valuable benefit for service members and their families.” No purchase is neces-

sary to win. Drawings will take place around June 12. Department of War and Coast Guard civilians and retirees and honorably discharged veterans who have confirmed their eligibility to shop online may also enter. Veterans can visit https://aafes. media/paveterans to learn more about their shopping benefit. DoW

US, Morocco integrate Link-16 capability during African Lion 26

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aseyann CornwaLL USAFE – AFAFRICA PUBLIC AFFAIRS

AGADIR, Morocco —

U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, with support from U.S. Marine Forces Africa, partnered with the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces to conduct the first interoperability test of secure encrypted communications and tactical datalinks with an African partner nation during the African Lion 2026 final planning event, Feb. 3. Secure Link-16 datalink communications were demonstrated, and an encrypted ultra-high frequency voice connection was established between Moroccan and U.S. tactical terminals. Through these systems, text messaging and voice communication were enabled, allowing forces from both nations to communicate directly and securely during the event.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Babak Kermanshahi, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe –Air Forces Africa theater operations planner, and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Kyle Repetti, and operations officer assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa tested Morocco’s ability to securely exchange real-time battlespace data across air, land, and maritime domains, strengthening coalition command and control.

“This effort tested

Morocco’s ability to integrate into a coalition force through a highly survivable, encrypted, and jam-resistant tactical data link, bolstering cross-domain communications,” Repetti said. “Sharing real-time data across air, land, and sea improves situational awareness and coordination for commanders, planners and operators.”

“This integration shows how planning can translate directly into operational capability,” Kermanshahi said. “One of African Lion’s objectives is to drive integration and interoperability by implementing capabilities that improve readiness, and this effort directly supports that goal.”

U.S. Africa Command’s Command and Control Interoperability Board established the requirements in coordination with the command’s support for foreign military sales efforts and interoperability programs. Kermanshahi and Repetti worked with key agencies, including the U.S. Embassy, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, U.S. European Command, Joint Interface Control Officers, and the 165th Air Support Operations Squadron, to enable both capabilities.

“Looking forward, this isn’t just a one-time success. We are using See AL26, Page 7

Moroccan computer equipment ahead of African Lion 2026 (AL26) at Agadir, Morocco, Feb. 3.

Air show visitors meet the C-5M Super Galaxy up close

defense projects.

the escalating demand for these skill sets, we are launching a comprehensive strategy built upon three mutually reinforcing key result areas: recruiting top-tier talent; retaining our seasoned experts; and training our personnel for the future fight,” Davenport said.

To attract new talent, the plan directs the Department of the Air Force to streamline its hiring and accessions processes, remove bottlenecks and expedite hiring for essential AI positions. The initiative also includes identifying competitive financial incentives and a “Mission Matching Strategy” to align candidates with high-impact

On retention, the department aims to combat workforce complacency and minimize departure to industry by capitalizing on untapped talent already within the ranks. A key proposal is the creation of a Department of the Air Force Dual-Track Career Model which will pave the way for AI professionals, including those in the Guard and Reserve with specialized civilian experience, to advance as technical experts without being forced into traditional management roles.

The training component of the strategy seeks to establish a baseline of AI literacy for all personnel, creating a “universally informed and responsibly engaged workforce pre-

pared for an AI-integrated future.” The plan calls for a shift from simple course completion to a model that requires validation or proof of skill depending on whether you are in or vying for an AI-aligned role.

The plan frames the initiative as essential for national security in a competitive global environment.

“The successful implementation of this plan will ensure the department can attract, sustain and develop the necessary AI talent at the speed of industry, directly bolstering national security and maintaining a decisive competitive advantage in the global AI landscape,” Davenport said.

Through these efforts, the department will estab-

lish itself as a premier force in AI talent management, accelerating the deployment of gamechanging capabilities of artificial intelligence in service of the mission.

The Department of the Air Force AI Hiring and Talent Development Plan issued by the department’s Chief Data and AI Office, and in coordination with related stakeholders across the DAF, details a multi-faceted approach to building a skilled workforce capable of harnessing AI for military superiority. The approval of the plan follows closely with the release of the newly signed DAF Data and AI Strategies which prioritize warfighter readiness and training for operational success.

Airmen, Marines simulate austere medical operations

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KADENA AIR BASE, Japan — U.S. Air Force airmen assigned to the 18th Medical Group and U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, simulated an Expeditionary Medical Support System facility during a USAF-led exercise Beverly Midnight 26 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 12.

The joint training brought together Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps medical personnel to practice delivering lifesaving care in austere, deployed environments.

The training incorporated role-play scenarios and hands-on patient care, allowing medical teams to practice trauma response and surgical procedures under simulated operational conditions. To support the event, the 18th Medical Group partnered with 3rd Marine Logistics Group and U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, integrating surgeons, operating room teams and emergency room nurses to simulate a full-spectrum medical response capability.

Following direction from Air Mobility Command, a team of maintainers executed an accelerated training plan, certifying 23 personnel in less than 96 hours. The effort validated a proof of concept for KC-46 hot pit refueling and established a foundation for future implementation across AMC, enhancing the Air Force’s ability to launch missions faster in contested environments.

Hot pit refueling allows aircraft to be refueled while engines remain running, reducing time on the ground and enabling aircraft to return to the mission faster.

“This capability allows us to prepare for an everadapting environment while meeting the mission in uncertain times,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jerome L. Lundy, 660th AMXS senior enlisted leader. “By reducing refuel time, we are able to get tankers back in the air faster and close the gap between supply and demand.”

“In a contested environment, the ability to rapidly refuel aircraft is a critical combat capability that directly impacts survivability and operational tempo,” said Lundy.

“This allows the KC-46 to operate more effectively under threat.”

The certification effort required close coordination across operations, maintenance, logistics readiness and quality assurance teams and was completed within a compressed timeline.

“This was a Total Force effort,” said Lundy. “Every member of the team brought a specific skill, and it was only through that teamwork that we were able to meet the deadline.”

Senior Airman Avery Breakfield, 660th AMXS crew chief, served as a refuel supervisor and panel operator during the certification, responsible for initiating the refueling process.

“It was definitely a sprint, but I was fully confident in our team’s ability to understand the process and put it into action,” said Breakfield. “Once we realized it was just a refuel with one engine running, everything became a lot smoother.”

Airmen progressed from walkthroughs

to multiple dry runs before executing live operations, building confidence through repetition and teamwork.

“I’m proud to be part of the first team to accomplish hot pit refueling [for the KC-46] at Travis,” said Breakfield. “This capability is important because it significantly reduces aircraft downtime.”

Staff Sgt. Tyler Navarro, KC-46 flying crew chief, served as the lead maintainer for the expedited training, overseeing the hot pit refueling sequence from aircraft arrival through engine-on refueling and departure.

“The accelerated timeline demanded a high level of discipline and focus from the entire team,” said Navarro. “It required us to compress the learning curve without compromising safety or technical accuracy.”

Navarro emphasized the unique challenges associated with hot pit operations, including working in close proximity to running engines and maintaining communication in a high-noise environment.

“We had to rely heavily

on hand signals and prebriefed coordination to overcome those challenges,” Navarro said. “It pushed us to adapt quickly and operate efficiently under pressure.”

Airmen conducted tabletop reviews and rehearsals prior to live operations to ensure each step was performed safely and effectively.

“They partnered with quality assurance to ensure each step was conducted as safely as possible,” said Lundy. “It was a methodical process that allowed us to build confidence before executing the live refuel.”

As the Gateway to the Pacific, Travis plays a critical role in supporting operations across the Indo-Pacific region. The addition of hot pit refueling strengthens the installation’s ability to project power and respond rapidly.

“This shows Travis is at the forefront of agile combat employment,” said Lundy. “If air assets are needed in the Pacific theater, Travis KC-46s will help ensure they get there.”

Rapid refueling capabilities increase operational

flexibility and reduce aircraft vulnerability on the ground.

“Speed is a fundamental component of survivability,” said Lundy. “Being able to land, refuel, and get back airborne quickly reduces the time aircraft are vulnerable.”

Navarro said being part of the effort was both

Working in a simulated field hospital, service members rehearsed casualty treatment, emergency procedures and surgical operations designed to replicate the challenges of providing medical support during contingency operations.

“These joint exercises allow us to work alongside the Air Force, Marines and Navy and apply Tactical Combat Casualty Care in realistic scenarios in austere locations,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Alexon Munson-Catt, 3rd Medical Battalion emergency physician. “It helps turn classroom knowledge into real-world capability when every second matters.”

“This collaboration with our sister services has been extremely beneficial for strengthening our team’s skills and readiness,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Gabe Chase, 18th Medical Support Squadron deputy. “Working together in these scenarios helps ensure we can quickly establish medical capability and provide lifesaving care wherever the mission takes us.”

Exercise BM26 integrates joint and allied forces across multiple locations to test rapid response capabilities and improve the ability of U.S. forces to operate in contested environments. Medical training events like this ensure expeditionary medical teams can rapidly establish treatment facilities and deliver critical care in support of operations across the Indo-Pacific.

Historical highlight: Operation Eldorado Canyon marks 40th anniversary

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RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — On April 14, 1986, twenty-four F-111F Aardvark aircraft from the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing took off from RAF Lakenheath, UK, supported by five EF-111A Ravens from the 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron based at RAF Upper Heyford. They headed for a rendezvous off the southwest coast of England with waiting KC-10 aerial refuelers from the European Tanker Task Force units on a rotational TDY from stateside bases.

Although malfunctions and strict rules of engagement meant only eleven aircraft dropped their bombs, they successfully destroyed all assigned targets. Some aircraft used GBU-10 laser-guided bombs on ground facilities, while others dropped parachute-delayed bombs on Il-76 transport planes at the Tripoli airport, destroying three and damaging three more.

Tragically, one F-111 was lost. The F-111, callsign KARMA 52, was flown by pilot Capt. Fernando Ribas-Dominicci, and weapons system officer Capt. Paul Lorence. It was presumed to be shot down by a surface-to-air missile over the Mediterranean Sea.

President Ronald Reagan ordered the strikes in response to terrorist attacks linked to Muamar

After confirming that all aircraft were fully mission capable and receiving fuel, six F-111s and one EF-111 airborne spares turned back and returned to their bases. Led by U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. David Forgan from the lead KC-10, the force flew south over the Bay of Biscay and the coast of Portugal. After passing through the Strait of Gibraltar, they entered the Mediterranean Sea heading toward targets in Libya.

Gadaffi’s Libyan regime. The final straw was the April 5 bombing of a West Berlin disco that killed two U.S. servicemen and wounded over 70 others.

Shortly before 2 a.m. on April 15, the Air Force planes completed their final refueling and began

the attack. They operated in a joint mission with 27 Navy aircraft from the carriers USS America and USS Coral Sea.

The combined force struck five targets across Libya. The Air Force hit a terrorist training camp, command and control

facilities, and an airfield near Tripoli, while the Navy struck another training camp and an airfield near Benghazi. The F-111 was chosen for this mission due to its internal laser-targeting system, which enabled precise bombing at night.

Operation Eldorado Canyon was a success, demonstrating the Air Force’s global reach and serving as an effective deterrent. Libyan-sponsored terrorism decreased significantly in the months that followed.

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Airmen take part in Excercise Keen Edge 2026

Tech. SgT. Levi r eynoLdS 621ST CONTINGENCY RESPONSE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS TRAVIS AIR FORCE

BASE — A Total Force team of 31 airmen from five Air Mobility Operations Squadrons and two additional units bolstered the 613th Air Operations Center’s Air Mobility Division at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, providing critical command and control for airlift, tanker and aeromedical evacuation missions across the IndoPacific during Exercise Keen Edge 26. The nine-day exercise, which ran from Jan. 27 to Feb. 4, focused on validating U.S. Indo-Pacific Command operational plans. airmen arrived Jan. 23 for three days of academics and systems checks before integrating Mobility Air Forces missions into the Air Tasking Order.

Yerage, commander of the 321st AMOS, highlighted the team’s role in strengthening theater capabilities.

“I’m incredibly proud of our team! The Masterminds, Mobsters and our Total Force partners stand ready to support the 613 AOC Air Mobility Division at a moment’s notice. We effortlessly integrated with their team supporting mobility requirements to meet INDOPACOM’s operational objectives.” Yerage said.

Technical Sgt. Moses Wiley, 321st AMOS airlift control team air tasking order integrator, emphasized the practical impact of the integration efforts.

“Coordinating these mobility missions in a dynamic exercise environment sharpened our ability to deliver rapid, effective support across vast distances in the IndoPacific,” Wiley said.

TRAVIS AIR FORCE

BASE — Airmen from the 621st Mobility Support Operations Squadron gathered for joint operations training at Ft. Stewart, Georgia, April 13-17.

The 621 MSOS Summit – an annual weeklong, multidomain training environment – brought together more than 50 contingency response specialists comprised of both Air Mobility Liaison Officers (AMLOs) and Expeditionary Air Ground Liaison Elements (EAGLEs).

“This summit is essential because it’s the only time the unit gets aligned as a whole,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Shane McAlhaney, 621 MSOS Air Mobility Liaison Officer and Summit coordinator. “With EAGLEs and AMLOs spread across two dozen locations, everyone is executing the same mission but often develops their own way of doing things. Bringing everyone together once a year ensures we’re aligned in how we communicate, employ equipment, and approach the mission.”

Unique communication equipment familiarization, cargo preparation, landing zone and drop zone operations, and forklift training were just some of the summit’s focus areas. Additionally, drone operations were incorporated into the curriculum as a

growing capability the unit is beginning to maximize to its full potential.

“Drones provide a variety of benefits we are only now beginning to fully unlock, especially when paired with analytics software,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel Pool, 621 MSOS Air Mobility Liaison Officer. “We can automate and speed up portions of runway safety assessments which allows us to get the airfield operational faster than our current manual methods.”

Pool added that drones can also provide weather data, focus on operational blind spots and help search for potential threats along the airfield perimeter.

The EAGLEs are the enlisted side of the house

and primarily located at Joint Base McGuire-DixLakehurst, N.J., while the AMLOs represent the officers who are fully embedded with Joint units at 24 different locations across the globe.

“Each of our AMLO operating locations executes a mission tailored to the supported user whether it is Army, Marine or Navy,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William Staley, 621st MSOS commander. “This means that some AMLOs get specialized in their support of their user while their other skills atrophy… this event provides an opportunity to rebalance so they can execute anytime, anywhere.”

Considered the

nation’s “Joint Air Mobility Enablers,” the 621st MSOS is tasked with integrating critical command and control, logistics, and air mobility support, enabling rapid global force projection of Joint Force operations and providing Combatant Commanders with a comprehensive operational picture.

“Events like these bring awareness to our Airmen on the global and joint impact their mission has,” Staley explained.

“It’s easy to go ‘heads down’ and focus on the mission but these events, and the engagements with senior leaders, allow us to shift our focus and see how our mission plays into the global scheme of maneuver.”

The 321st Air Mobility Operations Squadron and partner units managed airlift, tanker air refueling, and aeromedical evacuation operations in support of the 613th AOC.

Lt. Col. Cathryn “CJ”

Keen Edge is a recurring bilateral command post exercise between U.S. and Japanese forces designed to enhance interoperability and readiness for regional contingencies.

of Travis airmen and reinforces their role in advancing Air Force capabilities.

professionally and per-

“Being

this milestone means we are setting the standard for the rest of the fleet,” said Navarro. “Knowing this process will contribute to mission success for years to come is a highlight of my career.”

The certification effort highlights the professionalism and adaptability

“We are extremely proud of the airmen who made this happen,” said Lundy. “They rose to the challenge and delivered under pressure, showing that maintainers are the engine that drives the mission.”

The effort sets the stage for expanded KC-46 capabilities and reinforces Travis’s role in delivering rapid, reliable airpower anywhere in the world.

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flight gear and sat down with his pilot to walk through the maneuvers he would experience in the air. Later in the afternoon, he observed the team’s full mission brief, gaining insight into the level of coordination and discipline required before takeoff.

“More than anything, I feel like a little kid right now,” he said.

The experience not only highlighted the

pilots, but also reinforced the importance of service, leadership and the connections between the military and the communities it serves.

“This is not only for me, but everybody that puts on a uniform in the county. I know there’s a lot of great people,” he said. “I just happened to have this opportunity, so this is for them too.”

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlined the Wings Over Solano Air Show at Travis Air Force Base April 25-26, demonstrating the capabilities of Air Force aviation and inspiring the next gener-

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the lessons we’ve learned as a foundation to build upon for African Lion 2027,” Kermanshahi said. “This integration is the key that will enable future planning and allow for real-time situational awareness, and enhance data sharing for more effective strategic, operational, and tactical planning with Morocco.”

African Lion is an annual exercise organized by U.S. Africa Command with U.S. support led by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa. The exercise strengthens the collective security capabilities of the United States, African nations, and global allies. Link-16’s successful integration reinforces the participants’ focus on partnership and interoperability, strengthening multinational readiness and ensuring forces can operate together in complex environments.