Davis-Monthan Desert Lightning News

16/01/2026

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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, N.D., July 30, 2025. This exercise was one piece of a larger, comprehensive annual training for the squadron. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Armani Wilson)

15/01/2026

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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Airmen conduct preflight inspections aboard a C-17 Globemaster III at John Rogers Airport, Hawaii, during the Air Force’s Department-Level Exercise 2025, July 9, 2025. The DLE series encompasses all branches of the Department of Defense, along with allies and partners, employing more than 400 joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Theresa Valadez)

14/01/2026

ST. LOUIS REGIONAL AIRPORT, IL – The Air Race Classic (ARC), the longest-running all-women pilots' cross-country air race in the United States, is excited to announce that registration for the 2026 race will officially open on January 15, 2026, at 12:00 pm Eastern Time. This historic 49th annual race will take place from June 23–26, 2026, highlighting the rich aviation heritage of the Midwest and Southeast.
The 2026 race route spans approximately 2,400 nautical miles, beginning at St. Louis Regional Airport (KALN) in East Alton, Illinois, and concluding at Mount Vernon Airport (KMVN) in Illinois. Along the way, teams will test their skills and endurance through a series of enroute stops.
The 2026 race route includes stops in Frankfort, Kentucky (KFFT), Spartanburg, South Carolina (KSPA), Douglas, Georgia (KDQH), Tanner, Alabama (KDCU), McComb, Mississippi (KMCB), Russellville, Arkansas (KRUE), St. Joseph, Missouri (KSTJ), and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin (KPDC).

ST. LOUIS REGIONAL AIRPORT, IL – The Air Race Classic (ARC), the longest-running all-women pilots' cross-country air race in the United States, is excited to

14/01/2026

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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Special warfare tactical air control party Airmen from the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron simulate shielding patients from rotor wash and debris during a UH-60 Black Hawk landing in Idaho City, Idaho, May 8, 2025. The exercise provided hands-on medevac training and allowed 124th ASOS members to integrate with joint medical personnel in realistic, life-threatening scenarios that demonstrate the combat readiness and tactical proficiency of the Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Mercedee Wilds)

13/01/2026

February at Aerotech News and Review is about honoring where we’ve been—and who helped us get here.
🛩️ On February 6, 2026, we commemorate 40 years of Aerotech News, celebrating the stories, people, and progress that shaped Aerospace Valley and our nation’s defense community.
✊🏾 On February 20, 2026, we proudly honor Black History Month, highlighting African American trailblazers whose courage, resilience, and innovation continue to inspire generations—from the Tuskegee Airmen to today’s leaders.
Two special issues. One shared legacy of service, excellence, and impact.
Join us in honoring history.
📞 877-247-9288 | 📧 [email protected]

13/01/2026

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., performs a strafing run during exercise Haboob Havoc, March 29, 2025, over Barry M. Goldwater Range, Ariz. Haboob Havoc is a total force competition that provides a way for pilots to demonstrate their skills across a diverse range of aircraft while also testing their abilities in different mission sets such as dogfighting and gun runs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson)

12/01/2026

As we approach the 40th Anniversary of Aerotech News, we invite you to celebrate with us on February 6, 2026. This special edition will feature important stories, including the Space Shuttle Challenger anniversary and the 2026 Air Show schedule. Don't miss your chance to reserve advertising space with deadlines approaching soon.

https://conta.cc/49bNk30

12/01/2026

PHOTO OF THE DAY!
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A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III prepares to load a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 6, 2025. The C-17 transported several AH-64s tasked to support Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sarah Ortega Corona)

11/01/2026

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A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 35th Fighter Squadron is parked on the flightline as fireworks light up the night during the Japanese-American Friendship Festival 2025 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 18, 2025. The two-day event welcomed tens of thousands of visitors and provided an opportunity to celebrate and deepen the U.S.-Japan alliance through aircraft displays, cultural exchanges and live entertainment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

10/01/2026

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A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., takes off during a training mission in support of Bomber Task Force 25-1 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 24, 2025. Bomber missions provide opportunities to train and work with U.S. allies and partners in joint and coalition operations and exercises. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo)

09/01/2026

We’re kicking off 2026 with a milestone edition of Aerotech News and Review, “Year in Review.” Celebrating 40 years of serving the aerospace, military, and veteran community of the Desert Southwest, our January 9th issue reflects on an impactful 2025—highlighting the people, missions, and innovations shaping our region, from the Antelope Valley to Southern Arizona and Southern Nevada.

https://www.aerotechnews.com/blog/2026/01/09/aerotech-news-and-review-january-9-2026/

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.

Happy New Year! 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