First woman honored with the Air Force Silver Star
Gallantry in action is what it takes to be awarded the armed forces’ third-highest military decoration for valor in combat. Capt. Lacie Hester is the first female in the Air Force to receive this honor.
She received her medal during a ceremony on Nov. 12, 2024, at RAF Lakenheath for her bravery and skill during an April attack involving suicide UAVs directed at Israel.
In what is being described as the largest air-to-air enemy engagement in 50 years, Hester and her squadron of F-15E Strike Eagles faced a swarm of 300 UAVs and missiles.
One by one, Hester and her team neutralized the inbound threats. After exhausting her missiles and in the dark of night, Hester and Maj. Benjamin Coffey dropped their jets low to the surface and engaged the threats using only the aircraft’s guns.
After returning to base, Hester returned to the air in another F-15 just 25 minutes later to rejoin the fight. The squadron ultimately scored more than 80 kills, and with the effectiveness of Israel’s air defense systems, the coalition downed 99% of the UAVs and missiles.
Hester is the first female airman to receive the Silver Star and only the 10th woman in the Department of Defense’s history to be so honored.
Air Force personnel involved in the historic engagement were awarded two Silver Stars, including Capt. Hester, 14 Distinguished Flying Crosses and two Bronze Stars.
The US military navigates global threats in 2025: Weapons and Warfare
As we kick off the new year, the United States is confronted with a range of complex and serious threats from adversaries aiming to compromise U.S. security across multiple domains. To clarify the challenges ahead, host Ryan Robertson highlights key insights from a Mitchell Institute panel called “The Dangers We Face,” featuring four Air and Space Forces senior leaders.
Also featured in this episode:
CENTCOM strikes targets in Yemen.
Congressional continuing resolution will impact the U.S. Marine Corps’ retention efforts.
Seven soldiers awarded Medals of Honor.
Weapon of the Week: Axon Vision’s AI-based counter-drone defenses detect, track and neutralize unauthorized drones in real time, enhancing security and minimizing risks to sensitive areas.
You can subscribe to the Weapons and Warfare podcast on the platform of your choosing here.
For nearly two decades, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) has flown its MQ-9 Reaper drone in and out of traditional runways at bases worldwide. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), based on the earlier Predator drone, is designed primarily for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions and precision strike capabilities.
However, as the USAF continues to modernize in the face of Great Power Competition, leadership is exploring operating the MQ-9 out of more austere and remote environments. Crews recently tested that idea during an exercise known as Reaper Castillo at the Melrose Air Force Range in New Mexico.
From Nov. 4 to Dec. 18, MQ-9s, flown by pilots and sensor operators at Hurlburt Field, Florida, would land their UAVs 1,100 miles away on a dirt landing strip in eastern New Mexico.
Ground crews would then refuel and rearm each aircraft for its next flight. The goal was to validate the MQ-9’s ability to operate in austere environments, including dirt-strip landings for a rapid relaunch.
“The MQ-9 is extremely relevant in today’s fight and will be in the future as well. It allows us to go places and do things that we cannot risk sending manned aircraft – such as high-threat environments.”
65th SOS MQ-9 evaluator pilot and exercise mission commander
Lt. Col. Kurtis Paul, the 65th Special Operations Squadron (SOS) commander, said the exercise will provide essential data and lessons for the next squadron to push the concepts even further.
“On its surface, Reaper Castillo 24 is an exercise created and executed by the 65th SOS. But in reality, it’s another step in Air Force Special Operations Command’s efforts to push MQ-9 operations beyond conventional means,” Paul said.
A mission commander whose rank and name were not provided said of the effort, “If we can free ourselves from the traditional mindset, it will make the MQ-9 combat reach nearly limitless.”
Report finds US airfields in Pacific vulnerable to Chinese threats
The balance of power in the Indo-Pacific may depend on something as basic as concrete. As China fortifies its military airfields and expands the capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, a new report highlights vulnerabilities in U.S. defenses that could shape future conflicts.
The Hudson Institute, a nonpartisan think tank founded to prepare the U.S. for future military challenges, released the report, titled “Concrete Sky: Air Base Hardening in the Western Pacific.” It details China’s extensive investments in airfield fortifications, which include doubling the number of hardened aircraft shelters over the past decade. China now has more than 3,000 shelters at 134 air bases near the Taiwan Strait.
China has also added 20 runways and over 40 runway-length taxiways, while increasing its total ramp area by almost 75%. According to the report, the amount of concrete used for these upgrades could pave a four-lane interstate highway from Washington, D.C., to Chicago.
In contrast, U.S. efforts in the region have been limited, with only a few shelters, and minimal new infrastructure added. Analysts at the Hudson Institute warn that this leaves U.S. airfields highly vulnerable to missile strikes. This is particularly concerning given Chinese military doctrine, which emphasizes surprise attacks to neutralize air power on the ground.
The People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force has precision-guided missiles capable of targeting U.S. bases across the Indo-Pacific, from Guam to Okinawa. The report highlights that as few as 10 missiles could disable critical assets at Iwakuni, a key Marine Corps air station in Japan.
To mitigate these vulnerabilities, the report recommended strengthening airfield resilience by building hardened aircraft shelters, adding redundant fuel systems, and improving rapid runway repair capabilities. The Hudson Institute also emphasizes the need for long-range aircraft and autonomous systems that rely less on traditional airfield infrastructure.
Year in review: The best of Weapons and Warfare in 2024
This week on Weapons and Warfare Host Ryan Robertson and the team take a look back at some of their favorite stories from 2024. Join them as they talk about groundbreaking innovations in military technology, and the people shaping the course of today’s military, with some insights and behind-the-scenes anecdotes as they celebrate the stories that resonated most.
You can subscribe to the Weapons and Warfare podcast on the platform of your choosing here.
The new submersible redefining the US Navy’s operations: Weapons and Warfare
This week on Weapons and Warfare, host Ryan Robertson explores the U.S. Navy’s use of Boeing’s Extra Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV), the Orca. See how this autonomous submersible enhances naval strategies with reconnaissance, surveillance and strike capabilities.
As global tensions rise, learn how the Orca could redefine naval engagements. Tune in for an insightful look at maritime operations’ future and the Orca XLUUV’s role.
Also featured in this episode:
The Army encourages lieutenants to shift career fields to boost readiness.
Air Force facing challenges with F-35A cannon performance.
AeroVironment acquires BlueHalo.
Weapon of the Week: Learn how the Smart Shooter SMASH 2000L and SMASH HOPPER boost accuracy and effectiveness in target engagement.
You can subscribe to the Weapons and Warfare podcast on the platform of your choosing here.
US Air Force deploys A-10 ‘Warthogs’ to Philippines
The United States deployed A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, commonly known as Warthogs, to the Philippines for joint training exercises with the Philippine Air Force. The deployment serves to strengthen the long-standing defense partnership between the two nations.
The A-10s are assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron, which is based in South Korea. The aircraft arrived at Clark Air Base on Dec. 6, and will remain in the Philippines until Dec. 15.
The A-10, in service with the U.S. Air Force since 1976, is designed for close air support and armed with a 30 mm cannon and up to 16,000 pounds of ordnance. It can target both land-based and maritime threats. It demonstrated its versatility in past operations, including maritime combat patrols in the Gulf of Oman in 2023.
The training mission follows reports of nearly 100 Chinese vessels near the Philippine-held Thitu Island in late November. Territorial disputes in the South China Sea involve overlapping claims by China, the Philippines and other nations. China asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, citing historical rights, while other countries contest this claim.
The U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, signed in 1951, obligates both nations to respond to attacks on public vessels, aircraft or armed forces in the Pacific, including the South China Sea.
US works to maintain free, open Indo-Pacific
The U.S. Air Force stated that the exercises aim to improve interoperability and enhance shared capabilities with the Philippine Air Force. This mission marks the second recent joint training operation between the two nations, following a fighter jet training exercise over the Philippine Sea in November.
The Pentagon identified the Indo-Pacific as a priority theater, citing growing regional Chinese activity. Regular joint training and deployments, such as the arrival of the A-10s, are part of the U.S. effort to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.
How the US Space Force will work to protect Japan’s national security
U.S. Space Force Guardians are deploying to Japan on Dec. 4 in a move meant to bolster the Japanese self-defense forces against threats from Russia, China and North Korea. The United States activated its first Space Force Unit in Japan at Yokota Air Base, just west of Tokyo, on Wednesday, Dec. 4.
The unit will reportedly give Japan its first-ever space surveillance and missile warning systems.
The Pentagon said the ultimate goal is to strengthen both country’s national security and provide stepped-up regional security at a time when relations with Moscow, Pyongyang and Beijing are tense.
The White House confirmed in February that Russia is working on an anti-satellite weapon, and the U.S. Space Force said in October that China is rapidly making gains on space-based military systems as well.
Additionally, North Korea claimed to have successfully launched its first spy satellite last year, and Pyongyang is promising more will go into orbit by the end of this year in a bid to make the country a so-called “space power.”
Despite U.S. adversaries vying for space superiority, the U.S. Department of Defense maintains it is confident the new unit will deter attacks from enemies in the Indo-Pacific region.
The U.S. and Japan are also coordinating space defense with Australia, including reportedly developing low-orbit satellites to help counter hypersonic missiles, which Russia, China and North Korea all claim to have obtained.
Cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah holding so far
The cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah marks a step toward peace in the Middle East, but what happens now in Gaza where Israel is still at war with Hamas? And rain or shine — but not wind — revelers get ready to celebrate in New York City at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024.
Cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah holding so far
A cease-fire deal between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon is holding, so far.
President Joe Biden announced the deal — which the United States and France helped broker — on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Israel and Hezbollah have agreed on an initial 60-day cease-fire, which sets the stage for a lasting truce.
Already, long-displaced residents of parts of Lebanon have started returning to their homes, hopeful the tenuous agreement will be extended beyond two months. That’s despite the Israeli military warning people to stay away from previously evacuated areas.
Israel has said if Hezbollah breaks the cease-fire agreement, it will attack.
Following the directive of the political echelon, the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon took effect at 04:00 today, and the IDF has been operating accordingly. IDF troops are stationed at their positions in southern Lebanon.
Over the past hour, the IDF identified a vehicle with…
During the 60-day truce, Hezbollah fighters are to retreat at least 25 miles from the border with Israel and Israeli forces will withdraw from Lebanese territory.
The agreement does not address the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, another Iran-backed militant group, in Gaza. However, Hamas has said it is ready for a truce.
“So, now Hamas has a choice to make,” President Biden said on Tuesday. “Their only way out is to release the hostages, including American citizens, which they hold. In the process, bring an end to the fighting, which would make possible a surge of humanitarian relief. Over the coming days, the United States will make another push with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and others to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.”
Biden told reporters he’s hopeful he’ll help achieve a cease-fire in Gaza before the end of his term in January. If not, President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East, though he has not yet said how.
Trump picks nominations for NIH, trade
President-elect Trump has kept busy this holiday week. On Tuesday night, he announced new picks to join his administration.
Among them, Trump nominated Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to serve as the director of the National Institutes of Health. As head of the NIH, the Stanford University professor would work alongside Trump’s pick for health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Bhattacharya, who also has a doctorate in economics, became known for opposing lockdown restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) November 27, 2024
Trump also selected Jamieson Greer to lead the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Greer is no stranger to the department, having served as chief of staff to the trade representative during Trump’s first term — which saw tariffs imposed on Chinese goods and the signing of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement.
Greer served as a lawyer in the Air Force and is currently a partner in international trade at the law firm King and Spalding.
Both of these nominations will need Senate confirmation.
Australia’s House passes bill to ban kids under 16 from social media
The bill would make platforms such as Tiktok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to $50 million ($33 million USD) for failing to prevent young children from holding accounts.
Australia’s communications minister Michelle Rowland introduced a world-first law into Parliament on Thursday that would ban children younger than 16 from social media, saying online safety was one of parents’ toughest challenges. pic.twitter.com/K0zui1wHLv
The legislation passed 102-13 in Australia’s House of Representatives and now moves on to the Senate. If the bill becomes law, social media companies would have one year to figure out how to implement the age restrictions before they are enforced.
More than 3,000 fake name-brand electric guitars seized in California
U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it seized more than 3,000 fake electric guitars in Southern California. CBP said the knockoffs were destined for the e-commerce market, just in time for holiday gift shopping.
CBP said if the guitars were real, they would be worth about $18 million. Most of the fakes look like Gibson brand guitars, but some were supposedly from other well-known companies such as Fender.
Federal authorities would not release any details about suspects in the investigation or where the counterfeit guitars came from.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to go on, rain or shine
A Macy’s spokesperson told the New York Post the parade will proceed regardless of wet weather — good news for the expected 3.5 million people who will be along the parade route and the estimated 30 million watching at home. However, wind could pose a problem.
The spokesperson told the Post, “Based on the city’s guidelines, no giant character balloon will be operated when there are sustained wind conditions exceeding 23 miles per hour and wind gusts greater than 34 miles per hour on the parade route.”
So far, according to weather reports, the winds should not be a problem, and all 32 balloons should be able to fly. New ones this year include Minnie Mouse and Spider-Man, which is marking its return to the parade for the first time in a decade.
Happy Thanksgiving from Straight Arrow News
With Thursday being Thanksgiving, as you get ready to gather around the table with your family, we wanted to take this time for you to get to know ours a little better. In the video above, members of our Straight Arrow News team have special messages about what they’re thankful for this holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!
British troops sent to investigate drones over US airbases in the UK
British troops are heading to United States airbases across the United Kingdom to protect them from possible drone attacks. This comes after multiple drone sightings at three different U.S. Air Force operation bases in the last week.
Neither U.S. nor U.K. officials said who might be behind the drone activity, but intelligence officials warned about increased Russian operations against Western countries supporting Ukraine.
In December 2023, the U.S. military reported an unidentified swarm of drones flying near Virginia’s Langley Air Force Base.
As of Tuesday, Nov. 26, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder isn’t making any connections between that or the recent incidents.
“It’s something the department has been looking closely at … how it applies to our facilities, our personnel, whether it’s in the combat zones or outside of combat zones,” Ryder said. “But in terms of these particular incidents in the U.K. versus the ones in the states … I don’t want to speculate.”
The U.S. military said the recent drones ranged in size and appeared to be coordinated.