Davis-Monthan Desert Lightning News

31/08/2025

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Airmen assigned to the 132nd Wing's Civil Engineer Squadron, Iowa Air National Guard, conduct aircraft firefighting training at the 119th Wing, North Dakota Air National Guard's Regional Training Site, Fargo, North Dakota. This exercise was one piece of a larger, comprehensive annual training for the squadron. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Armani Wilson)

30/08/2025

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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A U.S. Air Force KC-46 Pegasus aircraft assigned to the 56th Air Refueling Squadron takes off at the Abbotsford International Airport, Canada. The KC-46 is the newest tanker aircraft in the Air Force’s fleet, which can carry an additional 12,000 pounds of fuel than the KC-135 Stratotanker. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Torres)

29/08/2025

The United States is experiencing an increasing shortage of engineers, especially in manufacturing and technology fields. A few reasons include universities graduating fewer home-grown engineers, caps on H-1B visas for foreign engineers, declining interest in the subject, and American students falling behind in math and science.

Ali Villalobos, the social impact lead for Skunk Works Lockheed Martin, works to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in the Antelope Valley, Calif. She says encouraging students who might otherwise not think about math and science as vocations must start early.
“About 92 percent of boys and 97 percent of girls will lose interest in STEM if they’re not fully merged in it by about fifth grade. That’s early on. We usually think kids need to be in high school to really make college-style decisions about what they’re going to do with their future, but it really starts as early as elementary school.

The United States is experiencing an increasing shortage of engineers, especially in manufacturing and technology fields. A few reasons include universities gra

29/08/2025

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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Members of the 22nd Combat Air Base Squadron perform drag and carry drills during Advanced Ready Training at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The course mimics the Expeditionary Center’s version of ART, teaching Airmen to increase their mission resilience and discipline in a deployed environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Gomez)

28/08/2025

In a world where innovation is key, NASA Engages is leading the charge in STEM education outreach. By connecting experts with communities, this initiative is shaping the future of aerospace and exploration. The shortage of engineers in the U.S. underscores the importance of such programs. Join us in supporting STEM initiatives that empower the next generation.

https://conta.cc/3VdHoi0

28/08/2025

The Whirly-Girls Scholarship Fund, Inc. is proud to announce the opening of the 2026 scholarship season. Over the last few years, the organization has been growing and expanding not only to provide deserving female aviators but also maintainers from across the globe with over $550,000 worth of helicopter flight training, maintenance training and educational scholarships. These scholarships advance the helicopter industry by strengthening the talent pool and increasing diversity...

Scholarships are available for both experienced and newly certificated pilots, as well as those individuals seeking their initial helicopter ratings.

The Whirly-Girls Scholarship Fund, Inc. is proud to announce the opening of the 2026 scholarship season. Over the last few years, the organization has been grow

28/08/2025

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing secures an HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter in place inside of a C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft during exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. REFORPAC is part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, a new way of conducting operations in a contested, dynamic environment to build capabilities making a stronger, more lethal deterrent force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andre Medina)

27/08/2025

The mission, carrying the U.S. Air Force X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) spacecraft, lifted off on schedule at 11:50 p.m. EST (8:50 p.m. PST). USSF-36 was ordered under the NSSL Phase 2 contract, Task Order No. 2, on March 8, 2021.

“This was our fourth NSSL Phase 2 mission so far this year, and we have more coming right behind it,” said Col. Ryan Hiserote, senior materiel leader, Launch Ex*****on for Space Systems Command Assured Access to Space organization. “In fact, we have more missions queued for launch over the next 12 months than in any prior 12-month period in the history of the NSSL program…and we welcome this challenge..."

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – U.S. Space Force’s National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program and SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched the USSF-36 mission into orbit

27/08/2025

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Senior Airman Jayden Artherton, 509th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, directs her dog, Denisz, during a high-value individual transfer exercise at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. The HVI exercise provided an opportunity for military working dogs to train aboard a C-130 Hercules aircraft and in environments with running aircraft engines. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Hastings)

26/08/2025

Registration for the 2025 ARC Air Derby Opens September 1:
Design Your Route, Choose Your Day, Test Your Precision

The Air Race Classic (ARC) proudly announces that registration for the 2025 ARC Air Derby will open September 1.

The “Derby” is a distinctive one-day aviation event designed to challenge pilots on precision, planning, and navigation. The event offers pilots the unique opportunity to select their own route and flight day, providing flexibility to work around their schedules and weather conditions. Flights for this year’s Derby may take place from October 1 through 14. Winners will be announced a few days later at a virtual banquet.

Unlike traditional races, the ARC Air Derby focuses on accuracy rather than speed. Pilots and copilots team up to create personalized cross-country routes that follow the ARC Air Derby rules.

Registration for the 2025 ARC Air Derby Opens September 1: Design Your Route, Choose Your Day, Test Your Precision August 20, 2025 — The Air Race Classic

26/08/2025

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Capt. Nick Le Tourneau, F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team commander, performs an aerial maneuver during the Milwaukee Air and Water Show in Wisconsin, as a bird soars in the foreground. The demonstration highlights both the power of the aircraft and the skill of its pilots, reinforcing the Air Force’s role as a global leader in air superiority. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Cobin)