Major Shane Gentry USMC First Drone Pilot Named Aviator of the Year

Major Shane Gentry, a third-generation Marine and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pilot, was recently named the 2024 Marine Aviator of the Year, a distinguished accolade traditionally reserved for pilots of manned aircraft. This historic recognition marks the first time a drone pilot has been honored with the prestigious Alfred A. Cunningham Award, an annual recognition given by the Marine Corps Aviation Association. At the helm of MQ-9A MUX/MALE drones, Major Gentry has significantly advanced the capabilities of Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3, demonstrating the growing strategic importance of UAVs in modern military operations.

U.S. Solicitor Settles for $2.02 Million in SDM Ground Collision

The United States has successfully settled for $2,020,000 in damages from various parties following an aircraft collision that occurred on May 30, 2020, at Brown Field Municipal Airport in San Diego. This legal resolution marks the end of a significant legal battle that started in 2023, involving the U.S. Department of the Navy, which claimed extensive damages due to negligence and breach of restrictive covenants. The incident involved two aircraft: a parked MV-22 Osprey, owned by the United States Marine Corps, and a taxiing De Havilland DHC-6-100 Twin Otter, owned by Kapowsin Air Sports but leased and operated by Tac Air Ops, LLC, and Tac Air California, Inc.

Japan Coast Guard Adds 3 New H225 Super Pumas

The Japan Coast Guard has recently expanded its fleet by adding three new H225 helicopters, raising its total number of these aircraft to 18. This acquisition marks another step in the JCG's long-standing relationship with Airbus Helicopters, reflecting their trust and satisfaction with the Super Puma family, which has been in service with them for three decades. These additional helicopters will play a crucial role in enhancing the JCG's operational capabilities across a range of missions, including maritime law enforcement, coastal and island protection, and disaster relief efforts.

CAF Will Bring C-47 and R4D Normandy Vets to Salis Museum in June 

This June, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is bringing two significant pieces of World War II aviation history to the Salis Museum in France for an exceptional event commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The aircraft, the C-47 "That's All, Brother" and the R4D "Ready 4 Duty," will be part of a larger exhibit organized by the Salis Flying Museum, the D-Day Squadron, and the French Wing of the CAF. Scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, 2024, the event allows the public to explore these historic aircraft closely. Admission is set at 19€, providing an affordable opportunity for history enthusiasts and the general public to engage with a pivotal piece of World War II history.

Engineer Dies of Prop Strike at Gray Butte Airfield

The tragic incident involving Stephanie Cosme at Gray Butte Airfield underscores critical issues in operational safety and situational awareness in high-risk environments. Cosme, a 32-year-old test engineer employed by Sumaria Systems, LLC, was fatally injured on September 7, 2023, when she walked into a rotating propeller of an MQ-9A Reaper drone during a ground test. The Air Force's investigation into the accident highlighted several key factors contributing to the unfortunate event. Firstly, the report indicates that Cosme was inadequately trained on how to properly approach the aircraft while conducting telemetry readings.

The 44th FG Is Transitioning Alongside The 325th Fighter Wing

The 44th Fighter Group, Air Force Reserve, conducted its first flying unit training assembly at Tyndall Air Force Base, April 6, since returning to Tyndall. This training proved valuable for the pilots and maintainers by giving them hands-on experience with F-35A Lightning IIs and their first local sortie since departing Tyndall prior to Hurricane Michael. The 44th FG is transitioning alongside the 325th Fighter Wing to become a fully capable fifth-generation aircraft combat unit, and these training experiences provide the framework needed to produce unrivaled combat airpower through mission-ready Airmen.