US Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk flew over Ukraine ADS-B transponder turned on

In an article posted on The Aviationist website by David Cenciotti, he is reporting that the U.S. Air Force’s gigantic Global Hawk drones have been flying over Ukraine for about two years. However, they recently let everyone  know they were there.

Aircraft serial number #04-2021 turned on its ADS-B transponder on October 15 using hex address AE27A7 while flying over Ukraine at 50175 feet squawking 5527.

U.S. RQ-4Bs belonging to the 9th Operations Group/Detachment 4th of the U.S. Air Force deployed to Sigonella from Beale Air Force Base, California, have been flying ISR (Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance) missions in support of EUCOM, AFRICOM and CENTCOM theater mission tasking since 2011.

You can read David's entire article at https://theaviationist.com/2016/10/18/u-s-air-force-rq-4-global-hawk-drone-flew-over-ukraine-with-transponder-turned-on-for-everyone-to-see/

European Command coordinates difficult rescue at sea

By Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dana M. Clark

U.S. European Command Headquarters and U.S. Air Forces-Europe joined forces to conduct a long distance rescue mission off the coast of Ireland, Dec. 10, 2008.

The Rescue Coordination Center in the United Kingdom contacted the U.S. military requesting assistance to evacuate a severely injured crewman onboard the M/V Anna Rickmers, a cargo ship operating 460 miles offshore.

The U.S. military dispatched two HH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from Lakenheath, U.K., along with an MC-130 Hercules airplane and KC-135 refueling aircraft, both from Mildenhall, U.K., to conduct the rescue.

USEUCOM's Joint Operations Center Team Chief, Navy Capt. Gregory F. Stephens, said, "The success of this operation is attributed to the capability of the European Command staff, Air Forces Europe and our component commands."

The injured man was taken to the Shannon International Airport and then transported to the hospital where he is reported to be in stable condition.

"There is no doubt about the resolve of any person involved in this time-critical operation, and all can take pride in the outcome of this complex display of communications, planning, and airmanship."