This week’s Airman Top Shot comes from Airman 1st Class Alec Carlberg! Airman Magazine Feb 21, 2025
A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., takes off in support of Bomber Task Force 25-1 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 10, 2025. Demonstrating cutting-edge capabilities, forward presence, and commitment to allies and partners communicates the United States’ resolve in the Indo-Pacific.
In its latest annual report, the Office of the Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E) provides an absolutely glowing assessment of the F-15EX Eagle II, the latest fighter to enter U.S. Air Force service. However, the assessment also offers a note of caution, especially when it comes to the survivability of the fighter when faced with potential future threats.
In the report, the Pentagon provides an update on the status of the F-15EX, which was approved for full-rate production in June of last year. It also reinforces the fact that, at present, the two-seat F-15EX is primarily an air superiority platform, despite its multirole capability. Take a few minutes and read the full story online at https://www.twz.com/air/f-15ex-nails-pentagon-test-campaign-survivability-concerns-remain
From Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor, V. Manuel Perez…
Dear Fourth District and Riverside County Veterans Community,
We have some great news to share for veterans regarding the upcoming Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival!
With sponsorship by Pickering Events, LLC, veterans and first responders can receive free admission to the 77th Annual Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival, including tickets to arena events like Monster Trucks, the Demolition Derby and the PRCA Rodeo, through Vet Tix and 1st Tix.
These are the steps to claim your tickets:
1. Visit www.VetTix.org (for veterans) or www.1stTix.org (for first responders)
2. Create an account (if you haven’t already) and verify your military or first responder status
3. Search for “Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival” under available events
4. Request your tickets for general admission and arena events (subject to availability)
5. Receive your tickets electronically or follow pickup instructions
I want to include a note of special thanks acknowledging Chris Pickering, a veteran and CEO of Pickering Events, LLC, for going above and beyond to make sure veterans have the opportunity to come out to the Fair. This is Pickering Events’ third year in a partnership with Riverside County to operate the Fair and the Fairgrounds on a year-round basis.
Chris states, “By the very nature of their volunteer service, veterans have missed countless holidays, weekends, and birthdays. The Fair & Date Fest provides an opportunity for veterans to celebrate, together with their family, friends, and community.”
The Fair runs from February 13 – March 2, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy all the excitement. Thank you, and enjoy the Fair!
Darin A. Schemmer
Supervisor Perez’s Communications Team
📅 **February 7, 1984** – The world’s first untethered spacewalk.
On this day, **NASA astronaut Bruce McCandless II** became the first person to conduct a spacewalk without a tether, floating freely in the vastness of space.
Equipped with the **Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU)**—a jetpack-like system with gas thrusters—McCandless was able to venture **320 feet away from the Space Shuttle Challenger**, marking a historic moment in human spaceflight.
This daring mission demonstrated new possibilities for satellite servicing, station assembly, and future deep-space exploration.
**A salute to McCandless and all pioneers who push the limits of exploration!** 🛰️🇺🇸
📸: NASA
February 3, 2025
Local High School Teams Shine at AFA Palm Springs Cyber Cup Awards
Palm Springs, CA – Excitement filled the air at La Quinta High School on January 29th as students, educators, and community leaders gathered for the first-ever CV Cyber Cup Awards! Hosted by the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) of Palm Springs, this thrilling event showcased the talents of five teams from across the Coachella Valley, representing all three school districts, as they competed for top honors in cybersecurity.
With cash prizes, certificates, the prestigious Cyber Cup Trophy, and a chance to qualify for the AFA National CyberPatriot competition national finals in Washington, D.C., the competition was fierce. After months of rigorous cybersecurity challenges, the top teams emerged victorious:
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Second Runner-Up: Cyber Mafia from La Quinta High School, led by coach Frank Ceja.
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First Runner-Up: Cisco Detective from Coachella Valley High School, coached by Dana Sanchez.
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Cyber Cup Champions: AFJROTC Blackhawk-1, coached by MSgt Dean Temple, proudly took home the one-of-a-kind customized CV Cyber Cup Trophy!
Adding to the prestige of the event, representatives from Congressmen Ken Calvert and Raul Ruiz’s and CA Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez’s offices presented official congressional certificates to all participants, recognizing their dedication and achievements in cybersecurity.
Looking ahead, CV Cyber Cup 2025 promises to be even more dynamic! Plans are already underway to expand the competition, introduce specialized training sessions, organize field trips, and launch an exclusive Summer Cyber Camp for participating teams.
The Air & Space Forces Association of Palm Springs is committed to fostering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, equipping students with essential skills for the future.
Media Contact:
James McFarlin
Email: Mcfarlin.jim@gmail.com Phone: 760-851-5411
For further details, sponsorship opportunities, or to get involved in CV Cyber Cup 2025, please contact James McFarlin at the information above.
“U.S. Northern Command immediately took action as we watched and learned more about the fires in the Los Angeles area,” Gen. Gregory Guillot, head of NORTHCOM, said in the release. “Providing support to civil authorities is a valued part of our homeland defense mission.” January 13, 2025
La Quinta High School Senior, Abigail Wesslen, speaking at our 2024 Annual Holiday Luncheon
We’re excited to announce that 23 new members have joined our Chapter for 2024, bringing fresh energy and ideas to our organization. Additionally, we’ve welcomed three new Community Partners, strengthening our ability to collaborate and expand our reach.
These new members and partnerships mark an exciting step forward, allowing us to build on our successes and embrace new challenges in the year ahead. If you haven’t yet joined us, now is the perfect time to get involved! Send us an e-mail to AFAPalmSprings@outlook.com Thanks!
2024 was a year of growth and innovation for our Chapter as we introduced new programs and initiatives. Here are some highlights from the year:
As we head into 2025, we’re building on this year’s successes with even more initiatives and opportunities:
As we look to the future, we’re energized by the possibilities ahead. Whether you’re a long-time member or considering joining, now is the time to be part of our journey. Let’s make 2025 a remarkable year together! (Special Thanks to Chapter Treasurer Jim Smith for all the info!)
Photograph courtesy of the United States Air National Guard
