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.
Pilot shortage prompts US Air Force to target flexibility in filling roles
From the fictional characters like Ice Man and Maverick in “Top Gun” to real-life heroes such as Chuck Yeager and Neil Armstrong in “The Right Stuff,” the image of a fighter pilot from any era remains iconic. For as long as aircraft have ruled the skies, men and women have climbed into cockpits to answer their country’s call.
However, as each branch of the Department of Defense continues to modernize for future conflicts, they face a significant problem of not having enough pilots to meet the needs of today’s military. The U.S. Air Force is at the forefront of this issue.
At this year’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference, Air Force leadership detailed how the service is short by nearly 2,000 pilots, more than 1,100 of whom are fighter pilots.
“Suffice it to say, it remains a chronic issue, as you have highlighted, and one that these gentlemen, I’m sure will have great solutions how we’re going to fix it. It’s all easy. We know it’s not. It’s very complex, and frankly, takes input from across the force to understand best how we do what the nation requires of us as an Air Force,” Gen. Jeffrey L. Harrigian, USAF (Ret.), vice president of strategic campaigns at Lockheed Martin said.
One way the Air Force has tried to tackle the problem is by changing how new pilots are trained and assigned to the Air Force’s wide array of aircraft and their various missions. The goal is to reduce the time it takes to move candidates through the pipeline.
“Today, the average pilot training officer is going to go to pilot training, from a commission to pilot or being mission qualified in their platform. 528 days, give or take if you’re going to mobility, it’s about 400 and some, about 430 days and it, you know, that’s way too long. We need to get airmen on their mission, in their platform, in their combat squadron,” Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, commander of the Air Education and Training Command, said.
Robinson also pointed to a program that allows candidates already possessing a pilot’s license and looking to fly refuelers or cargo aircraft the chance to start in the T-1 Jayhawk, a medium-range, twin-engine jet, rather than the traditional route of starting in the T-6. This can cut months off time spent in the pipeline and get pilots to their first assignment sooner.
“We’ve had 16 folks go through the KC-135 portion, all have passed their check rides. Q1, couple, not on the first time through, but that’s normal. And the C-130J, we’ve had 22 go through, and again, all at low risk have met on time and passed their check rides,” Robinson said.
For those set on flying fighters or bombers, they still start on the T-6 before moving onto the T-38. Once pilots graduate from that phase, they typically move onto platforms like the F-16, F-35 and B-1. While the Air Force tries to pair graduates with their aircraft of choice, they now ask airmen to broaden the scope of what they are willing to fly, such as airlift or tankers.
“It doesn’t mean that if you go to T-38 you’re not going to get a fighter. It means that you might not get a fighter. One benefit to the member is that you continue to move through your pipeline more quickly, and you get to a flight line and an OP squadron sooner than you would have going another direction, we’re looking at ways to ensure that there’s still some element of choice and that merit matters, and so how well you do certainly will matter in some of these selections. But we also need to be aware that this is good for the Air Force, and we have to fight against those things that are hurting this pilot shortage and contributing to it, and find ways to overcome it,” Lt. Gen. Adrian Spain, deputy chief of staff for operations, stated.
Another avenue the Air Force is pursuing is making a concerted effort to keep pilots looking to leave active duty aware of the opportunities available in the guard and reserve components.
“Everybody’s life changes as you move through service. And you start a business, you have kids, you know, family doesn’t want to move around, whatever the reason is, the reserve component offers a position for you no matter what phase of life you’re in,” Maj. Gen. Randal Efferson, acting commander of the ANG Readiness Center, shared.
“We need this symbiotic relationship. It’s not active duty versus Reserve component, or Reserve component versus active duty. We want the right balance there. And you know my message, I really hope you stay on active duty, but if you can’t, I really need you to go to the Reserve component so that I have access to your skills when the fight comes, because that’s really all I give a crap about to be real honest with you, right? When the fight comes, will we be ready, and will I have the forces to go, to go implement our nation’s interests with kinetic air power,” Spain added.
At this point, one might think, “What if we just had fewer manned aircraft and relied more on unmanned platforms?” To that point, retired Air Force Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian offered this counter.
“As we talk, as you know, great power competition, I’d argue numbers are important, and I don’t think you guys would argue with me. And so how we do that going forward? And we can talk about mixes of man and unmanned, but people matter. War. Fighting is about humans, and humans are required to fly airplanes, and so we got to think our way through that,” Harrigian said.
With a cumulative 12 stars and decades of experience, the four airmen all agreed there is no one quick fix to this ongoing problem. They insisted it will take a holistic approach to reach recruiting, training and retention goals the Air Force has been chasing for years.
How unmanned helicopters are aiming to save pilots’ lives in US
An unmanned helicopter, which its creator claims will revolutionize everything from spraying crops to fighting fires all while saving lives, is taking flight. As revealed on Tuesday, Nov. 19, the so-called Sprayhawk needs no pilot. Developed by the U.S. startup Rotor, the helicopter relies on AI, sensors and communications systems, allowing a user to operate remotely from the ground.
“The most urgent need for our helicopters are places where there are lots of fatalities already, and that’s agriculture, that’s aerial firefighting, that’s offshore transport,” Hector Xu, Rotor Technologies founder and CEO, said. “What we’re able to do is to offer the same payload and capabilities that people are getting from manned aircraft with an unmanned solution, and that’s never happened before.”
Crop dusting and firefighting operations are reportedly some of the most dangerous flights for pilots. The U.S. National Transportation Board reports that 13 pilots were killed in agricultural operations from April to September 2024.
Xu says the 2,500-pound drone can “carry more than 1,000 pounds of payload.”
“We think this is going to change the world and we’re proud to be building it right here in Nashua, New Hampshire,” he said.
Rotor hopes to have as many as 20 choppers ready for the market in 2025. The company is currently working through the Federal Aviation Administration process to launch its helicopter to a larger market. The firm says it has already received federal approval to begin agricultural operations in the Midwest.
According to Rotor, technology still needs to be perfected, noting that the semi-autonomous aircraft could potentially pose a danger to pilots in areas with heavy air traffic, but the company said the initial plan is to stay in rural areas, minimizing that danger.
The company also has safeguards, including a button that shuts off the helicopter’s engine and initiates a controlled landing in case of an emergency.
On Wednesday, Nov. 20, Rotor reportedly plans to perform its first public flight tests with the Sprayhawk at an aviation trade show in Texas.
US Navy, partners soar ahead in CCA drone development
The United States Navy just took another major step forward on its path to pair unmanned aircraft with piloted planes. The Navy is working closely with the United States Air Force to develop Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), also known as loyal wingmen.
In early November 2024, Navy Air Vehicle Pilots stationed in Maryland were able to launch and fly an MQ-20 Avenger that was on the other side of the country in California. The demonstration proved the Navy’s Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control Station, or UMCS, was all but ready for action.
The backbone of the UMCS is Lockheed Martin Skunk Works’ MDCX, or Multi-Domain Combat System. Lockheed said the MDCX provides uncrewed vehicle autonomy, mission planning and command and control capability in a proven, secure package.
For the November demo, the MDCX communicated with the Avenger through a proliferated low-earth orbit (pLEO) satellite network. A pLEO uses a large number of small satellites working together, ensuring the mission can continue even if one or more satellites go down.
The MQ-20 Avenger used in the demo is built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. It is widely used as a testing platform for various new technologies the Navy, or other service branches, might want to implement on future unmanned aerial systems. In this case, the Avenger served as a stand-in for the MQ-25 Stingray.
Scheduled to be operational in 2026 and built by Boeing, the Stingray will be the world’s first carrier-based unmanned aircraft. It will initially fly missions for the Navy as an aerial refueler, freeing up some Navy fighters that were performing this role. However, the Stingray could also be equipped with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems. Eventually, it could carry munitions as well.
The Navy has big plans for the Stingray and other collaborative combat aircraft still in development. None of these plans will be possible, however, without first validating the foundational concepts, which is why tests like the November flight demonstration are so critical.
As the Russians discovered in Ukraine, it doesn’t matter how ‘cool’ the drone is, if you can’t communicate with it.
One of the pilots in the Navy’s Unmanned Carrier Aviation Program, Lt. Steven Wilster, said that not only was it great to be a part of history, but everyone involved in the demonstration “is paving the way for integrating critical unmanned capability across the joint force to combat the high-end threat our warfighters face today and in the future.”
New radar helping pilots before they hit the skies: Weapon of the week
The word “stealth” conjures images of legendary aircraft such as the F-117 Nighthawk, B-2 Spirit, F-22 Raptor, and the F-35 Lightning II. Despite their distinct differences, one thing ties them all together: geometry.
These planes are “stealth platforms” because of their design. Every angle is about reducing their visibility to radar, and the slightest bend, dent or change in structure can eliminate their tactical advantage, making them visible to adversaries.
Enter the RAZR. At first glance, it resembles a robotic snowplow. However, in the hands of a skilled operator, it could mean the difference between mission success and failure.
“What RAZR does is actually measures the radar cross section of a platform,” Micah North, CEO of Resonant Sciences, said. “What we mean when we talk about radar cross section is, what do we actually look like to a threat radar? What do we look like to a threat system? Resonant is one of the first systems out there available to measure the signature of the platform in the hangar without needing a special facility or lab.”
The RAZR system can take specific shots of various sections of the aircraft using a positioning system and lidars.
“The robot moves into place and gets within about a millimeter of where it needs to be, leading to incredible repeatability and traceability,” North said.
This precision allows for consistent measurements over time, helping to track changes in the aircraft’s structure.
RAZR, which stands for Resonant Adaptable Zonal Radar, is essentially a stand-alone robot that examines every piece of the aircraft.
“The radar cross section defines your detectability, so how soon you’re going to be detected by an enemy radar,” North said. “We want to know what that number is so we can plan missions accordingly.”
Despite its size, RAZR can travel to maintenance crews wherever they are stationed.
“The whole idea behind RAZR is to keep aircraft mission capable, ensuring pilots have the best possible position to win in an unfair fight by not being detected,” North said.
At this year’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference, RAZR garnered attention from Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall. Kendall got the chance to visit the Resonant Sciences team to see the technology firsthand.
“We’ve sold 29 systems so far, and we’re constantly innovating and adding new capabilities,” North said. “We’re really at the tip of the iceberg with RAZR.”
New helmet aims to give pilots high-tech display: Weapon of the week
For this week’s Weapon of the Week, the team takes a closer look at the helmets used by the U.S. Army that contain integrated heads-up displays. Host Ryan Robertson talked with Marcus Gengler, director for rotary wing applications at Gentex, to discuss the company’s latest developments.
Robertson: So Marcus, talk to me about these helmets. Obviously, you’ve been making helmets since the ’40s. You have the ground helmets that most soldiers are familiar with, but you guys also have other helmets.
Gengler: We do. That’s right, that’s right, as you can see. You know, we have a very big segment now in the special operations helmet, but my segment happens to be Army aviation and aviation in general.
We’ve made the HGU-56/P now for about 30-plus years.
Robertson: And this is something that every helicopter pilot is familiar with.
Gengler: Every helicopter pilot that flies for the DoD is familiar with this helmet. You know, the Army’s had it now for 30 years. The Navy is fielding it for their younger aviators, the Marines and the Air Force, have had this as well.
You’ll notice that the Block III Apache Helmet is now very similar to the HGU-56/P. There was a unique helmet for this when the Apache was first fielded. When they fielded the ECHO model Apache, we went to a standardized helmet. So, the common design is the same.
However, the uniqueness of this helmet is the fact that their integrated heads-up display connects to this helmet in a unique way, very different than the standard 56/P. So, that monocle comes up here, sits at the eye of the aviator so that he can fly from that.
The HGU-56/P has been around for many years and we’re finally giving it a tech refresh, we’re calling it the lockdown liner. What that is, for those that are of your audience that are familiar with these helmets, many times these teeth, the impact liner that’s been inside has been a one-piece liner, many times are a little uncomfortable.
So, we’ve now broken it up into three different distinct pieces that allow for some breathability and comfort, as well as an octa-dial that allows for a more stable fit for the back of the nape strap. This should allow for those that fly with goggles or other head-born devices to have a little bit more stable and more comfortable feel.
We’re looking forward to fielding that sometime in 2025 and we’re really excited to show it here at the show.
Robertson: So, helicopter pilots have some more comfort to look forward to. Last little thing I want to talk to you about, you mentioned the heads-up display on the Apache helicopter. What kind of information are they able to see that you’re able to put up in that heads-up display?
Gengler: So, AH-64 pilots today are able to take this, the image that’s being produced from their forward-looking infrared as well as their day TV cameras, and they’re able to portray that information into their helmets. They use it for targeting purposes. Many of the gun footage that we’re familiar with is taken from the image that’s produced for that heads-up display. So, we’re very familiar with what it looks like.
It also has data that allows the pilots to fly, so basically a rate of descent, rate of climb, whether they’re in trim, airspeed, altitude, those sorts of information is also available for them as well. One of the biggest pushes for the Army and in Army aviation is to improve upon the heads-up displays that are available for aviators.
So, we partner a lot with our industry partners when it comes to heads-up displays and heads-up display technology. Because much like an aircraft is a platform, we believe our helmet system is a platform with which other industry partners will use to put their kit and capability on. So, we’re excited to work with them.
Harris, Trump speak on importance of election with 13 days to go
With less than two weeks until Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris got some help on the campaign trail from a former president and a famous rapper, while former President Donald Trump targeted a certain voting block. And one of McDonald’s famous burgers has been linked to a deadly E. coli outbreak. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024.
Harris, Trump speak on importance of election with 13 days to go
With less than two weeks to go until the next U.S. president is chosen, both candidates are highlighting the importance of this year’s election as they make their final pushes to sway undecided voters on the campaign trail.
During an interview with NBC News on Tuesday, Oct. 22, Vice President Kamala Harris once again addressed how her presidency would be different than that of President Joe Biden.
“Let me be very clear, mine will not be a continuation of the Biden administration,” she said. “I bring my own experiences, my own ideas to it, and it has informed a number of my areas of focus, most of which are on to your point, lowering costs. The voters know it, I know it.”
During the interview, Harris was asked about why she is reluctant to talk about the historic nature of her candidacy. If she were to win, she would become the first female U.S. president.
“Well, I’m clearly a woman, I don’t need to point that out to anyone. The point that most people really care about is, can you do the job, and do you have a plan to actually focus on them?” she said. “My challenge is the challenge of making sure I can talk with and listen to as many voters as possible and earn their vote. And I will never assume that anyone in our country should elect a leader based on their gender or their race. Instead, that that leader needs to earn the vote based on substance and what they will do to address challenges.”
In Detroit, a rally was held in support of the vice president featuring rapper Eminem and former President Barack Obama.
“I also think that people shouldn’t be afraid to express their opinions, and I don’t think anyone wants an America where people are worried about retribution, or what people will do if you make your opinion known,” Eminem told rallygoers. “I think Vice President Harris supports a future for this country where these freedoms and many others will be protected and upheld.”
“We’re not going to play games because we’re going to lose our country, our country is failing,” Trump said. “We don’t know what we’re doing. We’re laughed at all over the world. [Chinese] President Xi [Xinping] thinks we’re stupid. [Russian President Vladimir] Putin thinks we’re stupid. That would have never happened if I were president. Putin would have never ever got into Ukraine.”
Then the former president returned to North Carolina for a rally where he criticized the vice president for not having any campaign events so close to Election Day.
THANK YOU, NORTH CAROLINA! This election is a choice between whether we will have four more years of incompetence, failure, and disaster—or whether we will begin the FOUR GREATEST YEARS in the HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY! pic.twitter.com/JJhJsJcOHk
“You know what she did?” he said. “She took a day off. How do you take a day off 14 days — you don’t take days off, right? I’ve gone 52 days, now, I got 14 more. We don’t take days off we got to win this thing if we don’t win it our country is in big trouble.”
Next up on the campaign trail, Vice President Harris will visit Pennsylvania Wednesday and then on Thursday, Oct. 24, hold a rally in Atlanta alongside Bruce Springsteen. Former President Trump will visit Georgia Wednesday and will record an interview on Joe Rogan’s podcast on Friday, Oct. 25.
The Georgia Supreme Court said it will not step in to reinstate Republican-backed new election rules ahead of Election Day. Seven of the rules, put in place by the State Election Board after the 2020 election, were declared “illegal, unconstitutional, and void,” by a lower-level judge last week.
On Tuesday, Georgia’s supreme court rejected the Republican-led effort to put the rules, which include one requiring ballots be hand-counted and two related to certifying results, back in place and declined to consider an expedited appeal.
Israel says it killed man next in line to lead Hezbollah
Israel said it has killed the man who was next in line to take over as the leader of the militant group Hezbollah. Israeli officials say an air strike in Beiruit, Lebanon killed Hashem Safieddine a few weeks ago, along with other commanders of the Iran-backed militant group.
Hezbollah has not confirmed Israel’s claim that Safeiddine is dead.
🔴 Hashem Safieddine, Head of the Hezbollah Executive Council and Ali Hussein Hazima, Commander of Hezbollah’s Intelligence Headquarters, were eliminated during a strike on Hezbollah’s main intelligence HQ in Dahieh approx. 3 weeks ago.
This comes as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in the Middle East looking to broker a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas in the wake of the the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and bring more humanitarian aid to Gaza.
On Tuesday, Oct. 22, Israeli leaders told Blinken it’s not Israel’s policy to isolate northern Gaza, despite recent United Nations claims that Israeli authorities have denied efforts to bring more aid to the area, according to an NBC News report.
In a letter this month, Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin gave Israel 30 days to increase basic humanitarian aid to Gaza or risk restrictions on U.S. military assistance, as required under U.S. law. Israeli officials said they have taken actions in response to the letter, and while Blinken acknowledged progress has been made, he said it is not sufficient.
McDonald’s Quarter Pounders linked to multi-state E. coli outbreak
The CDC has issued a safety alert over a McDonald’s staple: the fast-food chain’s iconic Quarter Pounder. Health officials say McDonald’s Quarter Pounders have been linked to E. coli outbreaks in at least ten states.
E. COLI OUTBREAK: CDC is investigating 49 illnesses in 10 states linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers. If you ate a Quarter Pounder hamburger from McDonald’s and have severe symptoms of E. coli, contact your healthcare provider. https://t.co/g87itkupCQpic.twitter.com/gHzUKCnTi9
The CDC says, so far, it appears the onions used as a topping on the burgers are the likeliest source of the outbreak. McDonald’s has now stopped using the onions and is not serving the Quarter Pounder in affected states.
In a statement, the company said it believes the onions came from a single supplier.
Denny’s closing 150 restaurants, including 50 by end of 2024
It seems Denny’s hasn’t been such a grand slam for Americans lately. The diner chain, known for its Grand Slam breakfast, is closing 150 of its restaurants.
Denny’s, which has been in business for more than 70 years, says the focus is on closing locations that are too old to remodel, as well as some in unprofitable areas. It has not yet specified which locations are shutting down.
FAA finalizes rule for electric air taxis to enter service
We might soon be riding around in flying vehicles called electric air taxis after the Federal Aviation Administration released what its say is the “final piece of the puzzle.”
An extraordinary moment for aviation! Our rule for training and certificating pilots to fly powered lift is the final piece of the puzzle to get these revolutionary aircraft flying safely in our skies. https://t.co/96Q7TQZfkMpic.twitter.com/7RvSqbdGT8
The FAA issued its new rules Tuesday regarding the planes — 880 pages of special regulations including training protocols for pilots and operational requirements for the half-airplane, half-helicopter air taxis. The planes act like a helicopter during takeoff then change modes to be more like an airplane during flight, before switching back for the landing.
The FAA calls it the introduction to “a new category of aircraft.” The first electric air taxi could be operational by sometime next year.
The Navy described Evans and Wileman as highly decorated officers who were trailblazers and role models within the Navy’s aviation community. They were part of the Electronic Attack Squadron 130, known as the “Zappers.”
“More than just names and ranks, they were role models, trailblazers, and women whose influence touched countless people on the flight deck and well beyond,” the Navy’s Carrier Strike Group Two said in a statement.
Search crews faced challenging conditions while recovering the wreckage near Mount Rainier. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Evans and Wileman had recently returned from a nine-month deployment in the Middle East. Both aviators participated in combat operations in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
Evans, who flew some of the few combat missions over land, was part of the Navy’s historic all-female flyover during the 2023 Super Bowl. She was also named Growler Tactics Instructor of the Year in 2024.
President Joe Biden expressed his condolences in a statement, honoring the aviators as “among our nation’s finest,” and said the country “will always honor their service and sacrifice.”
US female fighter pilot scores historical first
An American woman made history when she became the first female fighter pilot to claim an air-to-air victory, shooting down a Houthi-launched drone. While her name has not yet been released, the Navy confirmed the shoot down happened during the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group’s nine-month deployment in the Middle East, where it conducted operations against Houthi targets and protected international shipping lanes.
The naval aviator recorded the milestone while flying a F/A-18F Super Hornet with Strike Fighter Squadron 32, known as the “Flying Swordsmen.” The military considers downing aerial drones an aerial victory. While not the first instance of women engaging in aerial combat, the shoot down represents a first for American forces.
The USS Eisenhower deployed to the Middle East in October 2023, firing 60 air-to-air missiles and 420 air-to-surface missiles and bombs during its nine-month mission. The Flying Swordsmen flew over 3,000 combat hours and 1,500 missions in Operations Inherent Resolve and Prosperity Guardian.
Cmdr. Jason Hoch praised the squadron’s performance,
“I couldn’t be prouder of the Swordsmen’s performance day-in and day-out in incredibly demanding conditions,” Hoch said. “We proved over and over again that the flexibility a carrier strike group brings to the fight is unmatched.”
The unnamed female aviator is the first American military pilot to score an air-to-air kill, but not the first woman in history. During World War II, a Soviet pilot took that distinction. While there is some dispute whether Lt. Lydia Litvyak or Lt. Valeriya Khomyakova was the first to get an aerial victory, both recorded confirmed kills.
The bill “gives the FAA the stability it needs to fulfill its primary mission — advancing aviation safety — while also making travel more convenient and accessible,” Senate Commerce Committee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell, D-Wash, said.
Among other measures, the bill calls for hiring more air traffic controllers, faster refunds for canceled flights and technology upgrades to avert close-call incidents on runways. The FAA says 3,600 employees would have been furloughed if the law expired.
“This FAA reauthorization deal strengthens our industry, making flying safer for passengers, cargo and crew without weakening the protections that have created the safest period in aviation history, and ALPA urges swift passage of this agreement,” Jason Ambrosi, Air Line Pilots Association President, said
“ALPA has long maintained that as Congress considered this year’s FAA reauthorization, the focus should remain on breaking down barriers, opening up opportunities to ensure a robust and qualified pipeline of aviators, and providing air-service support for those living in rural and small communities without lowering the bar on safety.”
The Senate also passed a one-week extension for the law’s expiration, with the House of Representatives expected to vote on the reauthorization bill next week.