Exercise Desert Hammer Prepares Citizen Airmen for 'Trial by Fire'

View Online Exercise Desert Hammer Prepares Citizen Airmen for 'Trial by Fire' May 4, 2026 |  By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tyler J. Bolken Airmen assigned to the 944th Fighter Wing traveled north in Arizona to Camp Navajo from Luke Air Force Base for Exercise Desert Hammer 26-2, May 1-3; the exercise is the latest evolution of the wing's ongoing readiness training designed to build battlefield skills, test mission-essential tasks and prepare Air Force Reserve airmen for operations beyond base. Desert Hammer 26-2 brought together approximately 150 personnel and included support from Arizona Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys and a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft. It focused on mission-ready airmen skills, aeromedical mission-essential tasks and civil engineer training objectives. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Stephen Hunter, 944th Fighter Wing exercise planner, said Desert Hammer 26-2 was not a stand-alone event, but part of a deliberate training progression that continues to evolve with the wing's readiness needs. "We are being tasked to exercise our mission while developing battlefield skills and being ready now," he said. "While we have members downrange right now, we're continuing to train our airmen that were not tasked to deploy, and it's a building block approach." Hunter said the wing previously conducted training at Luke Air Force Base and Gila Bend, Arizona, to reinforce basic battlefield skills. Camp Navajo allowed the airmen to take the next step, by operating in a field environment with terrain, landing zones, drop zones and training venues not available at Luke. The exercise included an airlift, cargo airdrop operations, medical scenarios, live practice patients, high-fidelity mannequins, critical care air transport team training, land navigation and survival training. For Hunter, the clearest validation of the wing's training progression has come from airmen already deployed. "The airmen downrange right now have sent messages back that they appreciate all the training over the last cycle, that they are executing what they trained at Luke Air Force Base [and] at Gila Bend," he said. "So, if there's a measuring stick, that's it for me. And we just have to always be as ready as we can be." He noted that repetitions matter because readiness must be built before airmen are called to execute in real-world conditions. "It's trial by fire in combat, and so as many reps as we can get now is just what we're supposed to be doing, and that's why we're here," he added. Air Force Lt. Col. Lance M. Waage, 944th Mission Support Group deputy commander, joined the unit in January but brings years of reserve experience. He said this exercise gave airmen a chance to train across multiple mission areas while adapting to unfamiliar terrain. "To be able to execute our jobs in multiple or varied types of environments is really important," Waage said. "Being up here today allows us to stretch our legs and get those reps and sets in that are very necessary." Waage said the 944th Fighter Wing is known for training fighter pilots, but the wing also maintains a deployable force capable of supporting a broad range of Air Force missions worldwide. Training events like Desert Hammer 26-2 help airmen from various functional areas understand how their roles connect in a deployed environment. "This is a great way for every different skill set and functional area to perform under more austere conditions, sometimes simulated combat conditions, and really bring us together in a way where we're seeing how a scenario would play out before we have to do it for the real thing," he said. For reservists, that training is compressed into a limited time. Waage said reserve airmen balance civilian careers, family responsibilities and military requirements while still preparing to answer national security demands. "We have only 16 hours each month to perform everything that an active-duty force does, and that is a huge challenge," he said. "It's a huge testament to all the great people that come together for reserve duty." Hunter said seeing the wing execute the exercise was rewarding because planners could bring the parts together, then watch airmen carry out the mission. "We brought all the puzzle pieces here today, and then we sort of sit back and watch the fighter wing put the puzzle together," he said. "If the airmen are happy and they're learning and they're more ready now, then we're doing our job." As Desert Hammer 26-2 concludes, Hunter said the wing will capture feedback and lessons learned to improve future training.

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DOW Announces Winners of the 2025 DOW Fire and Emergency Services Awards

View Online IMMEDIATE RELEASE DOW Announces Winners of the 2025 DOW Fire and Emergency Services Awards May 4, 2026 Today, the Department of War (DOW) announced the recipients of the 2025 DOW Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) Awards for the outstanding accomplishments of its fire departments, fire officers, firefighters, and fire service instructors. DOW F&ES Working Group representatives from the Military Services and Defense Logistics Agency selected nine winners from a total of 41 nominations.  "These remarkable individuals form the bedrock of our operational readiness, ensuring the safety and security of our service members, their families, and the critical infrastructure supporting our national defense," stated Robert E. Thompson, Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of War for Energy, Installations, and Environment. "Their expertise in fire prevention, public education, and emergency response enables them to continuously provide essential services that preserve mission capability and protect lives." Each year, three of DOW's most outstanding fire departments receive recognition for achieving the highest degree of excellence in mission support and fire protection management. In addition, DOW's finest fire prevention program is awarded based on its depth and breadth, effectiveness, educational value, and thoroughness in direct support of the organization's mission.  One military firefighter and one civilian firefighter are each awarded for their superior job performance, innovation, and outstanding contributions to a DOW F&ES organization. One military fire officer and one civilian fire officer are also recognized for their superior job performance, outstanding contributions, and leadership within a DOW F&ES organization. Finally, one fire service instructor is awarded for their superior job performance, resourcefulness, and outstanding contributions to a DOW F&ES organization. Highlights of each winner's 2025 accomplishments, demonstrating the professionalism, courage, and selfless service that define the F&ES community, are as follows: Small Fire Department of the Year: Naval Support Activity Annapolis, Maryland— Responded to 1,800 mutual aid calls, including 97 vehicle collisions, over 900 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) requests, and 800 structural incidents. The department facilitated 7,156 training hours, training 25 personnel and ensuring 100-percent fire training compliance. The department also hosted a multi-jurisdictional mass casualty drill with over 10 agencies to simulate transporting 50 patients to local hospitals via medivac helicopters, mass casualty buses, and ambulances.  Medium Fire Department of the Year: Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia— Battled a fire on an M113 armored personnel carrier, extricating the crew and containing the fire to the engine, protecting the $8 million combat asset. The department conducted two rescue task force exercises, certifying one instructor and training 200 emergency responders. As part of Fire Prevention Week, the department also produced eight educational videos and seven written articles within 5 days, reaching an audience of 26,470.  Large Fire Department of the Year: Metro San Diego, California— Successfully mitigated a 4-day, 16,000-acre wildland fire on San Clemente Island, saving crucial facilities and ensuring no loss to endangered wildlife. The department educated over 11,000 military personnel and local community members through fire prevention classes. The department also mitigated 3,000 emergency incidents including five structure fires, 15 shipboard emergencies, 50 hazardous materials, 15 technical rescues, and over 2,000 EMS calls.  Fire Prevention Program of the Year: 628th Civil Engineer Squadron, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina— Completed 896 annual inspections and identified 290 fire safety deficits and hazards, eliminating 166 potential community risks to safeguard 132,000 individuals. The squadron conducted 82 diverse training events, hosting educational seminars, outreach programs, briefings, and fire drills to educate 12,000 residents on fire prevention strategies. The program also strengthened community relations by chairing a 'Letters from Santa' campaign, responding to 81 letters from six drop boxes to bring holiday cheer to families.  Military Firefighter of the Year: Senior Airman Jacob J. Meyer, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom— Responded to an 800-pound fuel spill, directing seven team members to rapidly execute remedial actions to protect the KC-135 Stratotanker. This efficient response enabled the tanker to deliver 20,000 pounds of fuel to six North Atlantic Treaty Organization fighter jets that same night. Senior Airman Meyer filled the Station Captain role for 90 days, managing 34 firefighters, conducting 130 training hours, and leading responses to mitigate 47 fire incidents. He also led 24 training hours with the Special Operations Wing, training 14 personnel across three agencies to enhance special operations wing taskings and technical rescue capabilities.  Civilian Firefighter of the Year: Katsuhiro Watanabe, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan— Spearheaded the creation of an internal Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Awareness course, providing a solid foundation for Japanese speakers, and certified six firefighters. Mr. Watanabe responded to a HAZMAT incident on the USS George Washington, isolating toxic gas release and ultimately protecting over $4.5 billion in national assets while ensuring mission readiness. He also mitigated 519 fire incidents and led 24 ship drills. Military Fire Officer of the Year: Senior Master Sergeant Aaron P. Strayhorn, Misawa Air Base, Japan— Led 848 Airmen through a 7.6 magnitude earthquake and directed the unit control center through 59 infrastructure crises to recover the installation in 11 hours. Senior Master Sergeant Strayhorn forged the Japan Air Self-Defense Force partnership by leading three large-scale Command and Control exercises. This partnership led to the first bilateral exchange program in 7 years, resulting in a successful joint B-1 fire response that saved Air Force's first Bomber Task Force. He also simplified fire department altering codes, reducing the number of codes from 53 to seven and increasing dispatch notification time by 38 percent.  Civilian Fire Officer of the Year: Richard Matteson, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska— Commanded the response to a F-35 crash in extreme arctic conditions by integrating the deployment of nine wing and mutual aid response teams to save the pilot. Mr. Matteson treated a life-threatening chainsaw injury, applying a tourniquet to stop arterial leg bleeding, and prepared and transported the patient to a trauma center in time to save their life and limb. He also partnered with the Bureau of Land Management to protect a military campground from an approaching 170,000-acre wildfire by clearing 12 acres of fuels, thus protecting 29 log cabins worth $312,000.  Fire Service Instructor of the Year: Tiana Y. Bykowski, Hill Air Force Base, Utah— Led the "Red Card" wildland fire certification program, qualifying 63 firefighters and mitigating 23 emergencies across a 7-day wildfire mitigation effort. The program resulted in the protection of 2 million acres and $1.2 billion in assets. Ms. Bykowski trained 133 firefighters and managed 12,000 training hours, earning the team 96 certifications, and managed 12,000 training hours for 148 firefighters. She also strengthened DOW's Nuclear Surety Program by partnering with Department of Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, providing design and construction support expertise for the Center's $108 million campus with 2,000 staff.  Congratulations to the distinguished 2025 DOW F&ES Awards winners for their remarkable accomplishments and devotion to safeguarding national security and supporting our warfighters. DOW extends its deepest gratitude for their vital contributions to the strength and resilience of the Department. For more information, visit the DOW F&ES Awards website at: https://www.acq.osd.mil/eie/emr/fes/index.html.

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Eerie Company: A New Threat at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center

View Online Eerie Company: A New Threat at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center May 4, 2026 |  By Staff Sgt. Troy Wharton, 314th Theater Public Affairs Support Element Soldiers assigned to the newly established Eerie Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, used first-person-view drone systems to enhance reconnaissance capabilities during Joint Multinational Readiness Center exercises in Hohenfels, Germany. Acting as the opposing force during the exercise, the company replicated a modern battlefield threat by combining emerging drone technology and electronic warfare with traditional infantry tactics, creating a realistic training environment for rotational units.  Established in December, Eerie Company specializes in short-, mid- and long-range reconnaissance to provide timely, accurate battlefield intelligence. The unit was created to address the evolving demands of modern warfare and to increase situational awareness across the battalion.  "The rate at which modern warfare is moving, and due to current conflicts, this company was established to help bridge that gap and be the eyes and ears of the battalion," said Army Capt. Luther Salmon, company commander.  One of the primary systems the company employs is the Archer, a first-person-view drone used to replicate emerging aerial threats observed in ongoing global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine.  Army Spc. Ryan Hatcher, an infantryman and subject matter expert on the system, emphasized its effectiveness during training. "It's pretty good for an FPV," Hatcher said. "Other FPVs we've flown here in Hohenfels, Germany, we've only been able to max out at eight to 10 minutes of battery life."  Hatcher added that operating first-person-view drone systems is not limited to a specific military occupational specialty, which allows soldiers from across the formation to qualify as drone pilots and contribute to reconnaissance efforts.  He said the Archer can be configured for multiple roles, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. In some scenarios, similar systems may be equipped with munitions, allowing soldiers to train on identifying the differences between armed and unarmed drones.  Due to its limited range, the system is primarily employed in defensive operations, providing units with a close-range aerial perspective of the battlefield and enhancing their ability to detect and respond to threats.  Through the use of drone technology and specialized reconnaissance elements, Eerie Company continues to adapt to the rapidly changing operational environment, ensuring the battalion remains prepared for modern combat scenarios.

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Medal of Honor Monday: Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Bush

View Online Medal of Honor Monday: Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Bush May 4, 2026 | By David Vergun Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Eugene Bush, a hospital corpsman, was assigned to the 3rd Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, during the World War II Battle of Okinawa, a conflict in which the bravery he showed led him to receive the Medal of Honor.   Bush was born Oct. 4, 1926, in Tacoma, Washington, to Carl and Estelle Bush. His father worked in a sawmill, and his mother was a nurse. After his parents divorced when he was 4, he was raised by his mother in Raymond, Washington. He worked in a sawmill as a teenager to help support his family and dropped out of high school in 1943 to enlist in the Navy Reserve. After completing recruit training at Farragut Naval Training Station in Farragut, Idaho, Bush graduated from the Naval Hospital Corps School in Farragut. He was then assigned to the Seattle Naval Hospital before completing advanced training at the Field Medical Service School at Camp Pendleton, California.   On Feb. 10, 1945, Bush was assigned to the 5th Marine Regiment, which landed on Okinawa April 1, 1945. A month later, on May 2, he braved artillery, mortar and machine-gun fire from strongly entrenched hostile positions. Disregarding his own safety, Bush moved from one casualty to another without hesitation to treat the wounded. During a Japanese counterattack, he administered blood plasma to a wounded Marine officer. According to his medal citation, while in an exposed position, Bush held the plasma bottle in one hand and fired his pistol at the enemy with the other.   After using all of his ammunition, he found a nearby discarded magazine and fired at the Japanese forces charging at his position, killing six enemy soldiers. Bush suffered serious injuries during the attack and even lost an eye. He continued to defend the officer until the enemy force finally retreated. Bush refused medical treatment until his patient was finally evacuated and collapsed on his way to the aid station for treatment.  For his bravery, President Harry S. Truman presented Bush with the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House, Oct. 5, 1945.   He was honorably discharged July 26, 1945. He then went back and finished high school, before marrying Wanda Spooner of South Bend, Washington, Sept. 30, 1945. The couple had three sons, a daughter and many grandchildren. After the war, Bush studied business administration at the University of Washington. He then founded the Bayview Lumber Company in South Bend, Washington, in 1951, and Bayview Redi-Mix in Elma, Washington, building both into multimillion-dollar businesses.  Bush died Oct. 8, 2005, in Olympia, Washington, and is buried at Fern Hill Cemetery in Menlo, Washington. His wife died in 1999 and is buried beside him.  Former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw wrote a chapter about Bush in his 1998 book about World War II titled "The Greatest Generation." The Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital at Twentynine Palms, California, and the Branch Medical Clinic Bush, at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, bear his name.   In 1998, a monument depicting his actions on Okinawa was erected in a park named for him in his hometown of South Bend, Washington. A street in that town was also named for him.  A "Golden Palm Star" on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars in Palm Springs, California, was dedicated to Bush on Veterans Day in 1999.  This article is part of a weekly series called "Medal of Honor Monday," in which we highlight one of the more than 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients who have received the U.S. military's highest medal for valor.  Spotlight: Medal of Honor   Experience: The Highest Awards for Valor

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Making a Mark - Army Marksmanship Unit

Making a Mark - Army Marksmanship Unit May 1, 2026 Imagine spending all day, every day, practicing trick shots with a shotgun, taking out 10 moving targets with a pistol in six seconds flat, or perfecting your shot toward a target the size of a period. Read More

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