Aerotech News and Review

12/23/2024

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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An A-29 Super Tucano arrives at Edwards Air Force Base, California, July 18, where it will join a unique fleet at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. (Air Force photo by Lindsey Iniguez)

12/22/2024

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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Two L-29's from the University of Iowa's Operator Performance Laboratory recently supported several test initiatives in collaboration with the United States Air Force Test Pilot School. The thirty-day deployment at Edwards helped students and instructors obtain key research in the areas of autonomy and machine learning (Air Force photo by Madeline Guadarrama).

12/21/2024

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit fast-rope onto the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) during an air power demonstration as part of a Tiger Cruise aboard Boxer in the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 16, 2024. Elements of the 15th MEU are currently embarked aboard Boxer and are conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Amelia Kang)

12/20/2024

Greetings and welcome to a very special edition of Aerotech News and Review, “The Best of Bob.” A full issue filled with High Desert Hangar Stories from our favorite author and historian, Bob Alvis.

‘Tis the season for our first story; One wrong number sparks a holiday tradition…

Also included in this issue:

• The Empty Shell: A look back at a cherished old hangar – Page 3
• Willie the Whale – Page 4
• The day Baby Ruth candy bars rained down from heaven – Page 6
• Fate is the Hunter – Page 7

https://www.aerotechnews.com/blog/2024/12/20/aerotech-news-and-review-december-2024-the-best-of-bob/

We truly hope you enjoy our special publication of Aerotech News and Review. Hard copies will be available at our usual spots Friday December 20th. Visit our website, www.aerotechnews.com for much more aerospace and defense industry news, and “Like” our page to receive daily news updates.

We wish you all a very happy holiday season filled with love and blessings. Be safe and be well.

Digital and Print Journal of Aerospace, Defense Industry and Veteran News, serving the Aerospace, Military and Veteran Community of the Desert Southwest includi

12/20/2024

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules assigned to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepares for takeoff at Changi Airport, Singapore, Sept. 9, 2024. VMGR-352 stopped in Singapore while flying from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, to deliver essential personnel, supplies and equipment to 3rd MAW squadrons deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emeline Swyers)

12/19/2024

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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A Sailor assigned to Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) prepares to launch an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the "Stingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113 during flight operations in the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 27, 2024. USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Isaiah B. Goessl)

12/18/2024

Military members, veterans, and their families represent a community of over 17 million individuals in the United States who are deeply valued for their service and contributions. By advertising with us in 2025, your business can connect directly with this unique audience that values trust, integrity, and mission-driven brands.
• Purchasing Power: With steady incomes and benefits, this audience has significant buying potential.
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12/18/2024

Imagine being a kid holding onto the parents, in line for Santa Claus, and the big red elf arrives in an F-16 Fighting Falcon.

“Yes, Santa showed up in an F-16 and the kids all got their pictures taken with him in the back of a C-17,” said Master Sgt. Stanley Wesley with the 412th Maintenance Wing at Edwards.

That’s correct. Santa was handing out presents to children about 10 shopping days before Christmas from the off the back deck of one of the largest military transports in the world.

A team of on-base organizations, local non-profits and community leaders turned out on Saturday to distribute hundreds of gifts to nearly 500 children from the Edwards Air Force Base community.

“We are just taking care of everyone in our base community,” Wesley said.
MaintenanceWing

By DENNIS ANDERSON Special to Aerotech News and Review EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Imagine being a kid holding onto the parents, in line for Santa Cl

12/18/2024

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd class Daisy Rodrigues, from Los Angeles, directs an F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in the South China Sea. Abraham Lincoln, flagship of Carrier Strike Group Three, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Shepard Fosdyke-Jackson)

12/17/2024

The first operational F-16A was delivered to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hill AFB, Utah, on Jan. 6, 1979. The earliest F-16 student training was accomplished at Hill, and Capt. Edwin “Skip” Hopler was part of the initial cadre of F-16A instructors. He was one of the first 50 pilots to fly the F-16. Little did Skip know that he would become an integral part of all F-16 training for the next 40 years.

The first operational F-16A was delivered to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hill AFB, Utah, on Jan. 6, 1979. The earliest F-16 student training was accompli

12/17/2024

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Dalen Alexander directs an AV-8B Harrier from the "Blue Knights" of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced) to take off from the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) in the Atlantic Ocean, Dec. 1, 2024. Wasp is transiting the Atlantic Ocean as the flagship of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG)-24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sydney Milligan)

12/16/2024

Mark your calendars for Plane Crazy Saturday on December 21! Join us as we celebrate aviation milestones, including the historic Voyager flight and the legacy of the F-16. This event highlights the contributions of our military and veteran communities in aerospace innovation. Don't miss out on our Year in Review edition coming January 10, 2025, which will showcase significant advancements in aerospace and defense.

https://conta.cc/4ghatSJ

Email from Aerotech News and Review Top Headlines From Aerotech News December 16, 2024 Aerospace, Military and Veteran News of the Southwest U.S. Visit our Website Plane Crazy Saturday – December 21

12/16/2024

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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Air Force Staff Sgt. Shellie Mae Oliver participates in weapons load competition at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The competition tested teams’ knowledge, proficiency, speed and skill. (Photo Credit: Matthew Veasley, Air Force)

12/15/2024

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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Airmen assigned to the Air Force's air demonstration squadron, the Thunderbirds, pilot F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and perform aerial maneuvers during the Speed of Sound Airshow at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, Missouri. (Photo Credit: Air Force Master Sgt. Patrick Evenson)

12/14/2024

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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Air Force Maj. Lindsay Johnson, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs a break maneuver with a P-51 Mustang during a heritage flight demonstration at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. (Photo Credit: Air Force Senior Airman Devlin Bishop)

12/13/2024

PLANE CRAZY SATURDAY!! - DECEMBER 21, 2024 • 10 A.M. – 2 P.M.
Kelly Hall, Coauthor, with Dick Rutan, of exciting book, The Next Five Minutes!
Kelly Hall worked for Dick Rutan for 40 years and lived with the construction phase test flights and historic flight of Voyager around the world, non-stop and unrefueled in December 1986.
On a cold December morning in 1986, Dick Rutan and co-pilot Jeana Yeager, against all odds, made aviation history when they successfully completed the first ever non-stop and non-refueled flight around the world in a homebuilt airplane!
They had traversed 26,358 statute miles, returning with only 18.3 of the 1200 gallons of gas they had taken off with nine days prior.
Following their arduous takeoff, Dick's younger brother, Burt, watched the plane of his design disappear over the vast Pacific, believing it improbable he would ever see his brother alive again...

Kelly will have books available for sale ($25) for any last minute Christmas shoppers!

Historical Aircraft Display Day at Mojave Air & Spaceport ‘Rutan Field’

Fly in and visit with other pilots and show off your airplane to visitors who love aviation!

We will sign Historical Aircraft Display forms

Presentation in MASP Board Room at 11 a.m. • Please RSVP [email protected]

Please NO DOGS OR OTHER Animals ON FLIGHTLINE!!! EXCEPT FOR SERVICE ANIMALS PLEASE NO SMOKING ON FLIGHTLINE!

PLANE CRAZY SATURDAY!! - DECEMBER 21, 2024 • 10 A.M. – 2 P.M. Kelly Hall, Coauthor, with Dick Rutan, of exciting book,The Next Five Minutes! Kelly Hall w

12/13/2024

New Edwards commanding officer urges preparation to preserve peace..
LANCASTER, Calif., — The new commanding officer at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., is clear that he is not predicting conflict between the United States and other nations, but taking note from antiquity to Shakespeare, he advises that readiness is all.
Newly promoted Brig. Gen. Douglas P. Wickert, commanding officer of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards took to the podium as keynote speaker at the Veterans Military Ball.

Expressing gratitude for all the veterans in the room, all of whom had served in eras from World War II up to the present moment, Wickert said a debt was owed to all for the service they rendered in defense of American freedoms.
Wickert said, “I want to speak on a serious note.” He added words from antiquity, “If you want peace, prepare for war.”

New Edwards commanding officer urges preparation to preserve peace LANCASTER, Calif., — The new commanding officer at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., is clea

12/13/2024

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 84th Reconnaissance Squadron conducts aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron over the coast of Japan. The RC-135 supports theater and national level consumers with near real-time, on-scene intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cedrique Oldaker)