Davis-Monthan Desert Lightning News

10/12/2025

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📅 Publishes Dec. 19
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10/12/2025

U.S. Airmen from the 355th Wing participated in a biannual, large-scale combat readiness exercise at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Nov. 12 to 19, 2025.
Mosaic Lightning 26-1 validated the wing’s readiness, agility, and lethality, ensuring Airmen are prepared to meet the demands of modern warfare. Members from multiple squadrons across Davis-Monthan were assessed on their ability to generate, project, and sustain combat power under the pressures of a contested and degraded operational environment.

“Our goal is to identify knowns and unknowns, close capability gaps, and refine processes. By testing controlled and sometimes unpredictable scenarios, we strengthen our readiness to operate effectively in high-intensity environments with multiple competing demands,” said Master Sgt. Whitney Sargent, 355th Civil Engineer Squadron wing inspection team lead.

U.S. Airmen from the 355th Wing participated in a biannual, large-scale combat readiness exercise at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Nov. 12 to 19, 2025.

10/12/2025

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Air Force's Sam Stitz and Brown University's Matthew Cataldo lock into a fierce battle for the puck during a game at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Cadet Ice Arena in Colorado Springs, Colo., Nov. 11, 2025. Air Force was defeated by Brown University, 4-3. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

09/12/2025

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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A U.S. Air Force pararescueman assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron leaps from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules cargo aircraft during jump proficiency training over East Africa, Oct. 25, 2025. The training hones combat effectiveness and ensures the squadron remains ready to respond anywhere, anytime. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christian Silvera)

08/12/2025

Davis-Monthan hosts Thanksgiving Dorm Bash by Aerotech News • December 8, 2025 8:41 am - Updated December 4, 2025 8:49 pm • The Thunderbolt - Luke AFB A U.S. Airman plays basketball with Col. Jose Cabrera, 355th Wing commander, during the Thanksgiving Dorm Bash at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, A...

08/12/2025

The Military Affairs Committee hosted the Thanksgiving Dorm Bash to bring Airmen together before the holiday season.

Davis-Monthan hosts Thanksgiving Dorm Bash by Aerotech News • December 8, 2025 8:41 am - Updated December 4, 2025 8:49 pm • The Thunderbolt - Luke AFB A U.S. Airman plays basketball with Col. Jose Cabrera, 355th Wing commander, during the Thanksgiving Dorm Bash at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, A...

08/12/2025

As we approach the holiday season, Aerotech News reflects on the courage and compassion of our military community. This edition features inspiring stories and highlights events such as the 24-Hour POW/MIA run and the successful flight of the X-59 supersonic aircraft. Don't miss your chance to support our veterans by advertising in the upcoming holiday special edition. Publication date is December 19, 2025.

https://conta.cc/4axOCGt

08/12/2025

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An F-15C Eagle flies over the flight line at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., Oct. 23, 2025. It was an emotional sendoff as the final trio of Eagles from the base departed for their permanent resting place with the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Melanie J. Casineau)

07/12/2025

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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jayson Shaffer, 480th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew chief, conducts a visual inspection of a GBU-38 bomb prior to installation during a loading competition at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Oct. 31, 2025. The event boosts morale and fuels a healthy competitive spirit as Airmen rely on precision, teamwork and technical expertise to safely and efficiently load munitions onto an aircraft in the fastest time possible. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gretchen McCarty)

06/12/2025

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A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., prepares to land at Morón Air Base, Spain, Nov. 8, 2025, as part of Bomber Task Force 26-1. BTF Europe is a collective effort, with significant support and participation from various allied nations, including host nation support, ensuring training is successful and effective. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Codie Trimble)

05/12/2025

We’re pleased to bring you the December 5, 2025 issue of Aerotech News and Review. Celebrating our 40th year “serving the Aerospace, Military and Veteran Community of the Desert Southwest,” we bring you top stories from the aerospace and military at Edwards AFB, AF Plant 42 in the Antelope Valley, CA, Nellis AFB, Creech AFB and NTTR in Las Vegas, NV and Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, AZ.

On this month’s cover, NASA’S X-59 completes first flight, prepares for more flight tests.

Also included in this issue:

• Lancaster Cemetery hosts Veterans Day ceremonies – Page 2
• DCMA champions ‘Drone Dominance’ objectives – Page 3
• Lockheed Martin uses 5th gen fighter to command drone in flight – Page 5
• Nellis Airmen compete to earn German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge – Page 6

https://www.aerotechnews.com/blog/2025/12/05/aerotech-news-and-review-december-5-2025/

All this and more for your reading pleasure in this edition of Aerotech News and Review. Visit our website, www.aerotechnews.com, for much more aerospace and defense industry news, and “Like” our page to receive daily news updates.

As always, THANK YOU for your support – it’s our privilege to serve you! 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