Fifty two is the number of American diplomats and civilians seized by Iran during the 444 day-long, 1979 hostage crisis, and the number of targets President Trump threatened to strike in Iran, if the regime retaliates over Soleimani's death.
Related: Trump Eliminates Some Of World’s Top Terrorists In Just A Few Months
From AF Mag:
"Launching 52 jets simultaneously shows an improved readiness rate in the fleet, which had been lagging for years. As of October 2019, the Air Force’s F-35A fleet had a mission capable rate of 75 percent, up from the 66 percent rate in October 2018, Ellen Lord, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, told lawmakers in the fall.A good offense is the best defense.
Hill in mid-December received its 78th and final F-35, more than four years since the first Lightning II arrived at the Utah base. Since the first arrival, Hill has completed more than 33,000 flying hours in 17,500 sorties, according to a release.
The base hosts four F-35 squadrons, with the Active Duty 4th, 34th, and 421st Fighter Squadrons and the Reserve’s 466th Fighter Squadron. Members and jets from these units are currently deployed to the Middle East, and rotated through Europe through the summer of 2019."
A wise abundance of caution: DOD Installations Double Down on Security After Iraq Strike
