Davis-Monthan Desert Lightning News

08/01/2026

While watching Cars 3 on Disney+, I could not help but notice the striking correlations between a movie made in 2017 and the realities the military is facing right now as an organization. The story may revolve around animated cars, but its message hits close to home for anyone serving in the military today.
Cars 3 follows Lightning McQueen, a legendary racer whose era of dominance is shaken when a newcomer named Jackson Storm enters the scene. Sleek, technologically advanced, and faster than ever, Storm embodies a new generation. When he beats McQueen effortlessly, everyone — including McQueen himself — is stunned. The veteran racer suddenly finds himself facing an identity crisis as his old methods no longer work as well. This moment in the movie reflects a truth we are now living: change does not ask for permission. It arrives and demands adaptation.

A mirror to military transformation
The U.S. military is undergoing a major transformation that mirrors McQueen’s journey.

While watching Cars 3 on Disney+, I could not help but notice the striking correlations between a movie made in 2017 and the realities the military is facing ri

08/01/2026

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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Alaska Air National Guard HH-60G Pave Hawk aviators and Guardian Angels, assigned to the 210th and 212th Rescue Squadrons, conduct helocast training during a skills demonstration at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 30, 2025. Helocasting involves inserting rescue personnel from a hovering helicopter into water to reach survivors in hard-to-access environments. (Alaska National Guard photo by Alejandro Peña)

07/01/2026

After years of design, development, and testing, NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft took to the skies for the first time Oct. 28, 2025, marking a historic moment for the field of aeronautics research and the agency’s Quesst mission.
The X-59, designed to fly at supersonic speeds and reduce the sound of loud sonic booms to quieter sonic thumps, took off at 11:14 a.m., EDT, and flew for 67 minutes. The flight represents a major step toward quiet supersonic flight over land.

“Once again, NASA and America are leading the way for the future of flight,” said acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy. “The X-59 is the first of its kind, and a major breakthrough in America’s push toward commercial air travel that’s both quiet and faster than ever before. Thanks to the X-59 team’s innovation and hard work, we’re revolutionizing air travel.

After years of design, development, and testing, NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft took to the skies for the first time Oct. 28, 2025, marking a

07/01/2026

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
Now you can search for hundreds of photos from our collection.
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U.S. Air Force pararescuemen assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron conduct high-altitude, low-open parachute jumps from a C-130 Hercules near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 13, 2025. The technique minimizes risk to supplies, equipment or personnel as they are airdropped from high altitudes over enemy airspace. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jana Somero)

06/01/2026

Luke Air Force Base is accelerating the future of warfare through an expanding suite of Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) programs developed by the 56th Fighter Wing Spark Cell. The team of innovators is reshaping how Airmen train, think, and operate in different environments.
In alignment with the Air Force’s drive to strengthen distributed operations and increase lethality, Spark Cell’s initiatives were created to address a critical question: How do we prepare Airmen for the rapidly evolving battlespace? For the Spark Cell team, the answer begins with education, hands-on experience, and accessible pathways for Airmen to build technical confidence.
“Expanding innovation and supporting Agile Combat Employment go hand-in-hand,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Sean Deuerlein, 56th FW Fighter Country Innovation section chief.
/PA

Luke Air Force Base is accelerating the future of warfare through an expanding suite of Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) programs developed by the 56th Fig

06/01/2026

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
Now you can search for hundreds of photos from our collection.
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Hawaii Air National Guard Airmen conduct maintenance on a KC-135 Stratotanker at dawn prior to an aerial refueling mission at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Dec. 1, 2025. The 203rd Air Refueling Squadron provides critical aerial refueling capabilities in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command operations and global mobility missions worldwide. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy

05/01/2026

Aerospace Valley doesn’t follow the future — it builds it. For 40 years, Aerotech News and Review has stood alongside the men and women who push boundaries, serve with purpose, and shape the future of flight. This February, we honor that legacy with a milestone 40th Anniversary Special Edition. This isn’t just another ad placement.

It’s a place in a 40-year legacy serving aerospace, defense and veteran communities. Join Aerotech News and Review’s 40th Anniversary Special Edition and be part of a moment that matters.

05/01/2026

The Defense Contract Management Agency recently launched its latest warfighter support mission establishing Special Programs Unmanned Systems-Experimental, or US-X, to align with a War Department acquisition priority of “Unleashing U.S. Military Drone Dominance.”
“DCMA Unmanned Systems is about precision, speed and an unsentimental approach to the next era of defense acquisition,” said Sonya Ebright, DCMA’s acting director. “It’s our first integration of mainstream and Special Programs. It’s off-leash in some ways, expected to go faster, be more flexible, less risk-adverse and draw the map for future programs to follow.
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EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — The Defense Contract Management Agency recently launched its latest warfighter support mission establishing Special Programs

05/01/2026

As we reflect on our rich aerospace history, we celebrate significant milestones and the impactful contributions of women in the military. Join us for the 40th Anniversary Special Edition of Aerotech News on February 6, 2026, featuring stories that honor our past and inspire future generations. Don't miss the opportunity to reserve your ad space by January 15, 2026.

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