Air force

Defense IT Leaders Recognized with Flywheel Awards at Summit

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 14, 2024

FAIRFAX, Va., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GovCIO Media & Research, a leading federal technology multimedia company, hosted the first annual Defense IT Summit on February 9 in Arlington, Va. Key federal defense leaders received Flywheel Awards during the event in recognition for their contributions to the defense IT ecosystem.

Key Points: 
  • FAIRFAX, Va., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GovCIO Media & Research, a leading federal technology multimedia company, hosted the first annual Defense IT Summit on February 9 in Arlington, Va. Key federal defense leaders received Flywheel Awards during the event in recognition for their contributions to the defense IT ecosystem.
  • "It is our goal to continuously recognize these transformative leaders in defense IT," said GovCIO Media & Research Editor-in-Chief Amy Kluber.
  • Among those recognized were leaders from the Defense Health Agency (DHA), Defense Digital Service, Air Force, Department of Defense, and Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA).
  • Visit the Defense IT Summit page to view a recap of the entire event and session recordings.

Announcing the Base Winners for the 2024 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year®

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 13, 2024

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) is proud to unveil the distinguished Base winners of the 2024 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® award. Chosen from a dynamic field of over 400 nominees through a national online voting campaign, these individuals exemplify unparalleled community involvement, passionate advocacy, and visionary leadership. Their outstanding contributions underscore the essential role of military spouses as pivotal homefront heroes, actively shaping and fortifying both military and civilian communities.

Key Points: 
  • Armed Forces Insurance honors the 2024 Military Spouse of the Year® Base winners, recognized worldwide for their exceptional community service, advocacy, and leadership from over 400 nominees.
  • WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) is proud to unveil the distinguished Base winners of the 2024 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® award.
  • and AFI Chairman, stated, "The Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® award represents the pinnacle of national recognition for military spouses.
  • The selection process continues with the following phases:
    The 2024 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® will be announced at an invite-only VIP event in Washington, DC, on May 9, 2024.

BAE Systems to provide additional electromagnetic warfare mission systems for U.S. Air Force EA-37B fleet

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 13, 2024

HUDSON, N.H., Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BAE Systems (LON: BA) will provide advanced electromagnetic warfare (EW) mission systems for aircraft 7-10 in the U.S. Air Force's growing fleet of EA-37B aircraft.

Key Points: 
  • HUDSON, N.H., Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BAE Systems (LON: BA) will provide advanced electromagnetic warfare (EW) mission systems for aircraft 7-10 in the U.S. Air Force's growing fleet of EA-37B aircraft.
  • The next-generation Baseline 4 mission systems will deliver powerful, long-range electromagnetic attack capabilities to disrupt and suppress the enemy's use of the electromagnetic spectrum for communications, navigation, and air defense.
  • "As the EA-37B fleet comes on line, the Air Force will be better equipped to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum."
  • The modern EA-37B airframes will help the warfighter maintain mission readiness and provide improvements in speed, altitude, endurance, and survivability.

Merlin Signs an Agreement with the United States Air Force as First Step Towards Bringing Uncrewed Flight Capabilities to the KC-135

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Merlin , the leading developer of safe, autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, today announced it has entered into an agreement with the United States Air Force (USAF).

Key Points: 
  • Merlin , the leading developer of safe, autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, today announced it has entered into an agreement with the United States Air Force (USAF).
  • In collaboration with Air Mobility Command (AMC) and Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Merlin will design, integrate, test, and demonstrate aspects of the Merlin Pilot on the KC-135 Stratotanker for the first time.
  • The multi-year partnership is focused on using a stepwise approach starting with reducing crew workload, then proceeding to reduced crew operations.
  • Merlin and the USAF’s collaboration will include, but is not limited to, system integration, ground testing, and extended flight demonstrations.

Manifest's Flagship SBOM Capability Awarded $1.8M Air Force Contract

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Awarded on February 2, 2024, this contract will focus on next-generation software supply chain security, extending Manifest's SBOM platform into key user groups within the Department of the Air Force (DAF).

Key Points: 
  • Awarded on February 2, 2024, this contract will focus on next-generation software supply chain security, extending Manifest's SBOM platform into key user groups within the Department of the Air Force (DAF).
  • The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research process.
  • "We are enormously grateful for this award and for the opportunity to partner with the Air Force.
  • The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

Another Middle East war would be disastrous for Britain – here’s how it can avoid mission creep

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 13, 2024

The strikes have been in retaliation for Houthi attacks on shipping – both merchant and naval – in the Red Sea in recent months.

Key Points: 
  • The strikes have been in retaliation for Houthi attacks on shipping – both merchant and naval – in the Red Sea in recent months.
  • UK government minister Huw Merriman claimed recently that these airstrikes are not just a “one off”.
  • For almost a decade, the Houthis have been subject to airstrikes by their Sunni rivals in Saudi Arabia and they have proved resilient.
  • Western foreign policy in the Middle East has historically been tainted by what some call “mission creep”.

Clarity of purpose

  • There are three main conditions governing how we come to regard a military engagement as constituting mission-creep.
  • These are: the scope of conflict, as well as the temporal parameters and spatial limits.
  • Sunak must emphasise that any military action taken will be limited to naval and aerial assaults.

Past successes and failures

  • The then defence secretary, Michael Portillo, similarly received questions on the potential dangers of mission creep.
  • He made a statement in the House of Commons in which he stated:
    I am determined that the Nato operation will be limited in scope.
  • In part, this was shaped by its failures to withdraw in a timely manner.
  • The current government needs to do the same when making tough foreign policy decisions about the Middle East.


Ben Soodavar does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Pyka Delivers First of Three Large-scale Autonomous Electric Cargo Aircraft to AFWERX

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 13, 2024

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas, Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Flight operations personnel from Pyka and AFWERX gathered on the tarmac at New Braunfels National Airport to witness the arrival of Pyka's Pelican Cargo, a large-scale autonomous electric cargo aircraft with a 400 pound payload capacity and 200 mile range, built for remote off-airport operations.

Key Points: 
  • "The AFWERX Agility Prime program looks forward to learning about the deployment and operational capabilities of electric aircraft through this contract," said Lt Col John Tekell, Agility Prime Branch Chief.
  • As the largest autonomous electric cargo aircraft in its class, Pelican Cargo is able to takeoff and land in remote areas with minimal ground infrastructure, can be recharged in under 90 minutes, and requires few personnel to operate.
  • "We're proud to deliver Pelican Cargo to AFWERX for the United States Air Force's Agility Prime program," says Michael Norcia, Chief Executive Officer at Pyka.
  • "Our aircraft offers an unparalleled platform for heavy-payload and long-range autonomous electric cargo logistics.

CyberFuels Welcomes Kevin Plescha as Chief Operating Officer/General Manager CyberFuels Gateway Terminal

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 12, 2024

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Feb. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Encountercare Solutions, Inc. (OTC BB: ECSL) is pleased to announce that through its wholly owned subsidiary, CyberFuels, Inc. CyberFuels is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Plescha as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) and General Manager, for CyberFuels Gateway Terminal.

Key Points: 
  • PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Feb. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Encountercare Solutions, Inc. (OTC BB: ECSL) is pleased to announce that through its wholly owned subsidiary, CyberFuels, Inc. CyberFuels is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Plescha as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) and General Manager, for CyberFuels Gateway Terminal.
  • As an accomplished Air Force veteran with proven managerial merits and 30+ years of professional experience in diverse roles, Mr. Plescha brings a wealth of experience to CyberFuels.
  • "We are thrilled to welcome Kevin Plescha to our executive team," said Ron Mills, CEO CyberFuels.
  • "I look forward to leveraging my experience and collaborating with the team to deliver exceptional results and drive CyberFuels forward."

Corvias Foundation and National Military Family Association Support 172 Military Spouses in Career Advancement and Financial Stability

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 9, 2024

Key Points: 
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240209569198/en/
    Corvias Foundation partnered with the National Military Family Association to invest in military spouses who are working to build their careers.
  • (Photo: Business Wire)
    Frequent moves, deployments, and other demands of military life can deeply impact many military families like Jessica’s.
  • “Here at Corvias Foundation, we are proud to support these military families and their financial strength,” said Sousa.
  • To learn more about the National Military Family Association, go to www.MilitaryFamily.org .

Zone of Interest’s striking depiction of Nazi banality – and other things you should see this week

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 9, 2024

However, Rudolf Höss is not any man, he is the commandant of Auschwitz and these scenes of domesticity take place in a house bordering the camp.

Key Points: 
  • However, Rudolf Höss is not any man, he is the commandant of Auschwitz and these scenes of domesticity take place in a house bordering the camp.
  • Hannah Arendt’s notion of the “banality of evil” is wrought powerfully in this film that envisages the lives of these real people.
  • It’s not the Nazi uniforms that are the most affecting but the small details that represent the horror.
  • Read more:
    The Zone of Interest: new Holocaust film powerfully lays bare the mechanisms of genocide

Stateside stories

  • The book, his agent tells him, is just not “black enough”.
  • It’s a really funny film that makes some really serious points about structural racism and explores different ideas of authenticity and blackness.
  • Read more:
    Masters of the Air: Apple's Air Force drama is imperfect, but powerful

In your feelings

  • It’s a romantic fantasy drama about 40-something screenwriter Adam (Andrew Scott) and 20-something Harry (Paul Mescal).
  • Their burgeoning relationship opens something up for Adam who is driven to finally confront the loss of his parents.
  • Both our reviewers felt it depicted dating as a 40-year-old gay man today quite well.


Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.