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National Aviation Day – Flying in the Nose of a B-25
From the glass nose of a B-25 Mitchell bomber, the view over the Salton Sea is both breathtaking and humbling. This position, once occupied by a bombardier in World War II, offers one of the most dramatic perspectives in aviation — a reminder of the courage it took to fly these aircraft in combat.
Today, August 19, we share this video in recognition of National Aviation Day. Established in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the observance was set to coincide with the birthday of aviation pioneer Orville Wright. The day encourages reflection on the achievements of the Wright brothers and the continuing impact of aviation on our world.
Among the aircraft that carried forward that legacy is the North American B-25 Mitchell. Best remembered for its role in the daring Doolittle Raid of 1942, the B-25 served across every theater of World War II, from the Pacific to Europe. More than 9,800 were built, performing missions that ranged from level bombing to anti-shipping strikes, and many continued flying long after the war in training, transport, and even civilian roles.
Flying in the nose of this aircraft today connects us directly to that history — bridging past and present through the experience of flight.
Record‑Setting 70th Anniversary U‑2 Flight
On July 31, 2025, in a bold tribute to the U‑2 Dragon Lady’s accidental maiden flight nearly 70 years earlier, a TU‑2S from Beale AFB’s 9th Reconnaissance Wing embarked on a historic mission—co‑piloted by Cory “ULTRALORD” Bartholomew and Lt. Col. “JETHRO.” From its takeoff through a nonstop journey across all 48 contiguous U.S. states, this iconic high-altitude spy plane flew for over 14 hours, covering more than 6,000 nautical miles—a new endurance record for its class.
This mission, conducted exactly seven decades after the U‑2 first took to the skies, was more than just a record—it demonstrated the enduring capabilities of this Cold War-era platform in modern operations. According to the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron commander, “the character of war is changing, but our extreme ownership of our mission… will never change.”
The flight also highlighted Beale AFB’s readiness and resolve, showcasing its role as a power-projection hub that can respond quickly and effectively to emerging threats anywhere in the world.
The full story is packed with rich details—background on the planning, pilot profiles, mission logistics, and more insights into this one-of-a-kind flight. Read the complete article here to explore how this mission unfolded and what it means for the future of Air Force reconnaissance:
Beale AFB conducts historic U‑2 Dragon Lady flight, 11 years in the making — AF.mil
https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4263709/beale-afb-conducts-historic-u-2-dragon-lady-flight-11-years-in-the-making/
USAF Targets Cybertrucks
In a twist that feels more science fiction than reality, the U.S. Air Force has officially targeted the Tesla Cybertruck—not for transportation, but for missile testing.
What’s Going On?
According to federal procurement documents, the Air Force Test Center plans to acquire two Cybertrucks as part of a larger package of 33 target vehicles for live-fire exercises at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. These vehicles are intended for use in Special Operations Command’s Standoff Precision Guided Munitions (SOPGM) training, involving weapons like Hellfire missiles and Laser Small Diameter Bombs.
Why the Cybertruck?
The Cybertruck isn’t your average target. Its aggressively angular design, unpainted stainless-steel exoskeleton, and advanced 48V electrical architecture distinguish it from typical painted steel or aluminum vehicles. Military analysts highlight that its design may make it more resilient to damage than conventional vehicles—raising concerns that adversaries might adopt similar platforms in real-world combat scenarios. In the words of procurement documents:
“In the operating theatre it is likely the type of vehicles used by the enemy may transition to Tesla Cybertrucks, as they have been found not to receive the normal extent of damage expected upon major impact.”
Context & Precedent
This decision is part of a broader, forward-looking assessment of potential threats. Notably, a 2024 viral image featured Ramzan Kadyrov, Chechnya’s leader, reportedly using a weaponized Cybertruck—though the authenticity and details remain murky.
Beyond the novelty, this move emphasizes how rapidly evolving technology—especially modern EV designs—are being evaluated for battlefield relevance.
What to Expect
- The Cybertrucks do not need to be operable; they must simply be tow-capable and structurally intact.
- This initiative may offer minor support to Cybertruck demand amid softening sales and a spate of recalls.
Takeaway: What began as a futuristic consumer truck is now serving an unexpected purpose: helping train the Air Force for possible real-world battlefield threats. This development vividly underscores the intersection of innovation, vulnerability analysis, and military preparedness.
AFA Palm Springs Connects Purple Heart Veteran with KESQ for National Purple Heart Day
On August 7th, in recognition of National Purple Heart Day, our AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 had the opportunity to connect local news station KESQ with a combat-decorated veteran for a special televised interview.
The request came in quickly. Early Thursday morning, KESQ contacted our chapter after seeing our recent Purple Heart Day posts on our website and Facebook page. The station was looking to interview a U.S. military combat Purple Heart recipient — and they needed someone available almost immediately to meet a 4:00 p.m. broadcast deadline.
With little time to spare, we reached out to chapter member Rick Johnson, who in turn contacted his neighbor and friend, Gary Lucas — retired U.S. Army Major, Vietnam War veteran, Purple Heart recipient. Fortunately, Gary was in the area for a VA Clinic appointment and was available right after. The interview was arranged on the spot, and KESQ met Gary at the Palm Desert VA Clinic.
Gary delivered a heartfelt and compelling interview, joined by fellow Vietnam veteran and friend Billy Terronova, who was also seriously wounded in combat. Their stories brought a powerful voice to Purple Heart Day, honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who have been wounded in service to our nation.
About Gary Lucas
Major Gary Lucas, U.S. Army (Retired), served 21 years on active duty from 1960 to 1981. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Professional Aeronautics and Business Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
During his first Vietnam combat tour in 1966, Gary rose through the enlisted ranks to E-6. After returning to the United States, he attended Warrant Officer Flight Training, earning his pilot wings and promotion to W-1. In his second Vietnam tour (1968), he was promoted to W-2 and later received a battlefield commission to Second Lieutenant.
As a Cobra helicopter gunship pilot, Gary flew in 675 combat engagements. His decorations include the Air Medal with 26 oak-leaf clusters, three Bronze Stars for meritorious achievement in combat, the Purple Heart, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry for extraordinary heroism awarded by the Government of South Vietnam.
Following his military career, Gary became a post-maintenance test pilot, worked in Top Secret aviation research and development, and later in threat analysis and the design of advanced security and surveillance systems.
Thanks to the quick coordination between AFA Palm Springs, Rick Johnson, and KESQ, Gary’s story — and the stories of all Purple Heart recipients — reached a wide audience on National Purple Heart Day, reminding us of the service, sacrifice, and valor that this medal represents.
Honoring Sacrifice on National Purple Heart Day
Today, August 7th, we pause to recognize the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have been wounded or killed in combat.
The Purple Heart, originally established by General George Washington in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit, stands as one of the oldest and most respected military decorations still in use. It is awarded to those who have shed blood in service to our nation — a symbol of courage, resilience, and dedication beyond self.
At AFA Palm Springs, we honor all Purple Heart recipients — past and present — for their service and their sacrifice. This solemn observance reminds us of the real cost of freedom and the enduring legacy of those who have borne that burden.
Let us never forget their stories, their names, and the values they stood for.
Vandenberg Launches – Visible from the Coachella Valley
This photo was taken in Palm Springs during a launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Launches are often visible across the Coachella Valley, especially on clear evenings, when they can be seen in the western to southwestern sky as rockets climb into space.
Vandenberg Space Force Base offers a free Launch Alert messaging system—by email or text—to let you know when launches are scheduled. Sign up here:
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDODSFVANDENBERG/signup/41755
Keep an eye on the sky—you might catch the next launch from your own backyard.
Celebrating Artemis and Remembering Apollo
Marking the Anniversary of Artemis: A New Chapter in Lunar Exploration
Today we commemorate the anniversary of NASA’s Artemis mission—America’s bold return to the Moon. As we look ahead to a new era of exploration, we also honor the legacy that made it possible.
The image shown here is from the historic Apollo 11 mission. It captures astronaut Buzz Aldrin descending the ladder of the Lunar Module “Eagle” on July 20, 1969, moments before becoming the second human to set foot on the Moon. The photograph was taken by mission commander Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the lunar surface.
Artemis is more than a return. It is a launchpad for the future—testing the systems that will eventually take us to Mars, establishing a sustainable lunar presence, and creating new opportunities for scientific discovery and global cooperation.
As members and supporters of the Air & Space Forces Association, we recognize the vision and determination behind every mission. From Apollo to Artemis, we celebrate the people—military and civilian—who make spaceflight possible and push the boundaries of what’s next.
Let Artemis serve as a reminder: Our reach does not end at Earth’s orbit. It stretches across the stars.
Johnny Cash was a “Ditty Bopper”
Johnny Cash is pictured in his Air Force uniform in the early 1950s.
Before he was the Man in Black, Johnny Cash wore Air Force blue. In 1950, at just 18, Cash enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, eventually serving as a Morse code operator—known as a “ditty bopper”—in the 12th Radio Squadron Mobile, stationed at Landsberg, West Germany.
His assignment? Intercepting Soviet transmissions and decoding them. It was during this duty on March 5, 1953, that Airman Johnny Cash became the first American to learn that Soviet leader Joseph Stalin had died, picking it up over his headphones in dots and dashes before the world knew. Not a bad claim to fame before your first gold record.
Cash later said the Air Force shaped him: the discipline, the long stretches of quiet time with a guitar, and the stories he carried home. It is a reminder that many who shape American culture first served in quiet, often unseen roles, supporting the mission of freedom in the tense days of the Cold War.
The next time you hear “I Walk the Line,” remember Johnny Cash walked a different line first, wearing his Air Force uniform, tuning into the world one dot and dash at a time. Read the DoD story April 17 2025 here… https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/4157671/singer-johnny-cash-served-in-the-air-force-during-the-cold-war/
Freedom, Air Power, and Palm Springs: A 4th of July Reflection
This Independence Day, while we gather with family and friends, it’s worth remembering that Palm Springs played a direct role in defending freedom in the air.
In 1941, as the world plunged into war, the War Department certified improvements to Palm Springs’ small municipal airport, transforming it into the Palm Springs Army Air Field. The clear skies and proximity to March Field and Los Angeles made it ideal for emergency landings and training missions. By early 1942, a new, larger airfield was completed, becoming a staging field for the Air Corps Ferrying Command. Crews trained here, aircraft were serviced here, and the skies above the Coachella Valley filled with the sounds of engines working to secure freedom far from home.
Personnel lodged at the nearby La Paz Guest Ranch, and Western Airlines landed daily under a government license, showing the intersection of military preparation and civilian life that helped sustain the war effort. By the war’s end, over 1,600 acres were used for runways, taxiways, hangars, barracks, and the infrastructure necessary to support Airmen on their missions.
When you see the fireworks this July 4th, remember that the freedom they celebrate was, and still is, safeguarded in part by the airpower that took off and landed here in Palm Springs.
The Air & Space Forces Association Palm Springs Chapter continues that legacy of service, community, and education, supporting today’s Airmen and preserving the stories of those who came before.
Happy Independence Day!