Stripes

Maj. Gen. Paul Moga, 3rd Air Force commander, and Cols. Kevin Crofton and William Lutmer, from left, stand at attention during the 52nd Fighter Wing change-of-command ceremony at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, on June 30, 2025. Lutmer took over command of the wing from Crofton, who led Spangdahlem for the past two years.

Spangdahlem’s new commander takes up role amid wing deployment

A new commander took charge of the 52nd Fighter Wing on Monday, a unit with airmen and fighter jets currently deployed to the Middle East.

RELATED Veteran combat pilot takes charge of key Air Force fighter wing in South Korea

Soldiers hold onto a flag during a change of command.

Armor officer takes command of Germany unit at the fore of Army training in Europe

Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost takes command of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, Oct. 8, 2024.

Top US general in Japan details command overhaul, cites growing threat from China

Caine visits Navy destroyer in Greece, praises crew in aftermath of Iranian attacks

USS Pierre completes sea trials, closing a chapter for the Navy’s Independence-class LCS

2 minutes ‘to succeed or fail’: 44 US soldiers stayed at Al Udeid to intercept Iran’s missile barrage

more top news

Search continues for South Korea-based airman whose kayak overturned on Alaska river

Senate rejects resolution requiring congressional approval for Iran strikes

Okinawa police say US civilian’s teenage son crashed stolen car, fled on foot

Air Force drops alternate fitness test options for trainees

Navy ship that honored gay rights icon to be renamed for Medal of Honor recipient

Japan unlikely to intervene directly if China attacks Taiwan, expert says

Pentagon requests $961B budget for ‘China fight’ with cuts to civilian workforce, Ukraine assistance and diversity programs

DOD agency IDs remains of 3 airmen killed at secret Laos radar site in 1968

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Veterans

A close-up view of a congressman, seen from the neck up, speaking during a meeting.

House Democrat demands VA disclose any spyware, AI installed on agency computers as part of DOGE initiative

The top Democrat on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee is demanding to know whether artificial intelligence tools, voice recording software or any other spyware are installed on computers at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Sports

Ramstein’s Kydan Echard pulls Wiesbaden’s Wyatt Massey during a 165-pound pool-play match at the DODEA European wrestling championships on Feb. 7, 2025, in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Ramstein’s Echard completes long haul to earn DODEA-Europe boys Athlete of the Year

Ramstein’s Kydan Echard’s prowess on the football field, wrestling mats and on the track earned him the title Athlete of the Year.

History

Beast of burden, 2005

From the Stars and Stripes archives: An Abrams tank from Apache Troop, First Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment takes position during a cordon and search operation Dec. 2, 2005 in the town of Bi’aj in northwestern Iraq.