Last of its Kind to Make Rare Showing at 71st Fly-In

As time runs out before AirVenture 2024, the Royal Canadian Air Force has confirmed it will make an appearance with a vintage WWII Avro Lancaster Mark X, the last example of the breed on the continent. The addition of the Canadian bird will bring out plenty of their other gear, too, with the Lancaster being accompanied by the Canadian Forces CF-18 demo team. It's a rare showing for one of the "rarest warbirds in North America" for the 71st edition of the country's biggest fly-in.

Reserve Components Looking to Improve In-House

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems announced a fresh order for a dozen Gray Eagle 25M UAVs with accompanying equipment, for fulfillment to the Army National Guard (ARNG). The manufacturer will see the order paid out of 2023 congressional funding, which helps to bring them ups to speed. Tossing some Gray Eagles into the mix provides the ARNG with full multi-spectrum intel gathering capability, even a modest complement of ordnance from the air, which greatly enhances their capacity to leverage their artillery and field components. With a few Gray Eagles on Tap, they can be more or less self reliant in planning, targeting, coordinating, and communicating.

Training Built Familiarization And Shared Tactics, Techniques And Procedures

As Washington National Guard helicopter crews can confirm, emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time in the state. Hikers slide down cliffs and a routine walk on a nature trail could require an emergency airlift. To build familiarization and share tactics, techniques and procedures, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew from 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation, joined members of the Central Pierce Fire and Rescue team May 15 at Crystal Mountain ski resort to rehearse rescue operations with military aircraft.

98-Year-Old TBM Radioman Joe Will Revisits Some Memories

The annual TBM Reunion took place on May 17 and 18 at Illinois Valley Regional Airport. Despite challenging weather conditions across the nation, ten TBM Avengers flew in to participate in the event. The Commemorative Air Force's Ghost Squadron has three TBM Avengers, and the Rocky Mountain Wing's TBM 309 and the Missouri Wing's TBM were present. Unfortunately, the Capital Wing's TBM Doris Mae couldn't attend due to an ongoing maintenance project on the propeller.

Capsized Vessel Located Near Dauphin Island, Alabama

The Coast Guard rescued four boaters after their vessel capsized near Dauphin Island, Alabama, Thursday. Coast Guard District Eight watchstanders received a call at approximately 1:50 p.m. from the Coast Guard National Command Center reporting an SOS signal from a satellite communicator. Watchstanders were able to link to the satellite communicator and communicate with one of the boaters who reported that the 28-foot catamaran vessel he was on had capsized with four persons aboard.