Top 10 Stories of 2024: Airdrops, Port Dawgs, and More in the Air & Space Forces

It’s been a jam-packed year at Air & Space Forces Magazine, reporting on the United States Air Force and Space Force, and we couldn’t have done it without you, our readers.

We delved into the past year to uncover the stories that truly resonated with you, our fantastic audience, and these 10 stood out above the rest. Whether you missed one the first time around or simply want to revisit a favorite snuggled under a cozy blanket, we’ve got you covered. Here are the highlights that made waves in 2024.

First up, we explored the thrilling world of airdrops to Gaza – a true blend of art and science. The U.S. Air Force and its partners executed one of the largest aid missions since the Berlin Airlift, dropping essential meals to the people of Gaza when other access routes were blocked.

We then journeyed through an extraordinary 1,000-mile open ocean rescue mission by the 129th Rescue Wing, showcasing their life-saving capabilities with striking precision and bravery.

The new TV series “Masters of the Air” brought history to life, despite a lack of broader context for viewers watching on Apple TV+ – we dissected what was captured and what may have been missed.

In a high-flying feat, mobility pilots prepped to combat fatigue for a Pacific conflict, emphasizing science, hot meals, and wearables for relentless flying in a potentially intense theater.

We followed Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David Flosi’s remarkable journey from a broke college student to the service’s top enlisted leader, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, shedding light on the power of mentorship and opportunities.

The world of ‘Port Dawgs’ at Bamboo Eagle unfolded, showcasing the delicate balance of skills needed to orchestrate crucial movements of war-winning equipment and supplies swiftly and precisely.

We dove into the heroics of F-15 Strike Eagle crews who blocked an attack on Israel by shooting down 80 Iranian drones in a dramatic display of airpower mastery.

The behind-the-scenes look at a Minuteman ICBM launch with three test warheads unraveled the meticulous planning, coordination, and raw data involved in a missile’s 4,200-mile journey across the ocean in just 30 minutes.

Wargames predicted significant influence in a Pacific war with autonomous CCA drones deployed in masses by the U.S. Air Force as a cost-imposing factor on a strategic adversary.

Lastly, we unveiled advanced manufacturing technologies at an Air Force depot streamlining the production of replacement parts through cutting-edge additive manufacturing processes.

With these captivating stories behind us, our team can’t wait to bring you more engaging content in 2025. But for now, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth and cheer!