US stealth fighters will arrive in northern Japan in 2026, local official says

The U.S. Air Force will begin deploying F-35A Lightning II fighters to northeast Japan in spring 2026, according to an official.

Bullet in baggage results in Air Force civilian’s arrest at Okinawa airport

A civilian employee from Kadena Air Base was arrested on suspicion of attempting to carry live ammunition through a security checkpoint at Naha Airport, according to Okinawa Prefectural Police.

NORAD launches its Santa tracker to users worldwide for 69th year

The North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Santa tracker launched Sunday and is ready to track Santa on Dec. 24 for the program’s 69th year.

‘Policy by PowerPoint’: Watchdog agency finds flaws in Air Force’s deployment revamp

The Air Force said it implemented the plan as quickly as possible to respond to a potential global conflict. The initial intent was for all major commands to follow the four-phase system over two years, but some have been reluctant to transition.

Air Force continues to expand its version of ChatGPT following summer launch

The Air Force’s generative artificial intelligence platform, NIPRGPT, launched in June and has quickly grown to include thousands of users, according to a service spokeswoman.

US B-52 bombers intercepted by Russian jets over Baltic Sea

Two U.S. Air Force long-range bombers were intercepted Monday by Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea, a defense official confirmed.

Air Force releases latest field grade officer promotions

The Air Force has promoted 439 active-duty officers to either colonel or major during the M0624A and M0424A central selection boards. The service members who were promoted serve in the Dental and Medical Service Corps. Stripes would like to thank them for their service.

Judge orders convicted Air Force general to pay nearly $8,000 for two months he was forced to live in base hotel

Restriction to base is more commonly used in sentences for those already living there, and if they don’t, the airman’s first sergeant would secure a dorm room for the service member. Instead, Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart’s command “refused to obtain and fund accommodations for the restriction period.”

Security forces squadron creates elite group to honor slain airman

Airman 1st Class Dayvon Larry left such an impression at a Florida air base that his unit created a program, Delta Lima, in his memory to promote pride and professionalism.

Protesters gather again outside US air base as German state reviews probe of killing

Hundreds protested for a second time outside Spangdahlem Air Base following last month’s murder acquittal of an American airman.

South Korea to station F-35s at bases throughout the peninsula, report says

The South Korean air force plans to disperse its newest fleet of F-35A Lightning II stealth jets throughout the country to better respond to North Korean threats, according to local media.

Missing airman’s body found near Guam beach after daylong search

A U.S. airman who failed to return home from a fishing trip was found dead Sunday morning near a Guam beach, according to the Air Force.

Risky training ops for elite troops need to be studied more to help avoid deaths, injuries, GAO finds

Between 2012 and 2022, the GAO found more than 3,600 noncombat accidents involving special operators, with an average of 258 reported training accidents per year with at least minor injuries or more than $20,000 of military equipment damage.

Pacific Air Forces commander helps deliver modern training aircraft to Vietnam

Vietnam this week received the first of 12 military training aircraft scheduled for delivery through a U.S. program to strengthen partner nation militaries facing China.

Air Force base reports lasers aimed at aircraft above Okinawa

Japanese police are investigating reports from the 18th Wing that laser pointers were aimed at two of its aircraft in the air on Tuesday.

Aviano airman’s portable F-16 ladder idea rides momentum of Spark Tank triumph

An F-16 Viper pilot’s flash of inspiration amid frustration turned into a win in the annual Air Force innovation competition known as Spark Tank, where he beat out 137 other submissions.

Base residents raise alarm about credit, debit card fraud on Okinawa

The 18th Wing has warned its community to beware of credit and debit card fraud following reports of unexplained charges billed to cardholders who shopped at Kadena businesses.

Revitalized Special Olympics continues to grow at Air Force base on Okinawa

Nearly 80 athletes gave their all during the 20th Kadena Special Olympics beneath soggy skies at this U.S. base over the weekend.

Air Force Silver Star recipients among those honored for repulsing Iranian missile and drone attack

An Air Force officer who became the third woman to be awarded a Silver Star since World War II was among 30 service members recognized this week for battling a barrage of Iranian missiles and drones.