Rusty Ballard News Today

The Department of the Air Force selected the 182nd Airlift Wing, based in Bartonville, to receive shipment of eight new C-130J Super Hercules to replace their aging C-130H transport and cargo planes, pending the outcome of environmental assessments. The new C-130J tactical aircraft, which operates on digital rather than outdated analog technology, will be used

Over 25 nations, including all but two NATO members, participated in the largest military air exercises in Europe since the Cold War, called Air Defender 2023. Hosted by Germany, the drills were planned before the Russian invasion of Ukraine but gained greater urgency after the event. The exercises demonstrate how air power can be the first response in a crisis, particularly air-to-air refueling and mid-air shots.

More than 200 planes from 25 countries gathered in Germany for the largest-scale war games in decades, held with an eye on the war in Ukraine.

Brig. Gen. Daniel R. McDonough has been in the Air National Guard for 37 years, starting in 1985, and is a Peoria native.

He joined National Guard after graduating from Argenta-Oreana High School.