One of a series of news films made by the U.S. Air Force in the 1980s, this edition of Air Force Now dates to November of 1985. The film starts with a nostalgic look back at USAF uniforms from the late 1940s when pith helmets were authorized for use in the tropics. At 2:00, the USAF’s distribution system in Europe is seen with C-23A aircraft being used to deliver vital spare parts to bases throughout the continent. The C-23A Sherpa entered service with the United States Air Force in Europe in 1985 based at Zweibrücken Air Base. It continued in use in the EDSA role until November 1990 with the post-cold war force reductions. All the Sherpas were returned to the United States; three aircraft were given to the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB, eight aircraft were given to the U.S. Army and the remaining seven to the United States Forest Service.

At 6 minutes, TV personality Ed McMahon promotes the USAF Suggestion Program while mimic’ing his famous Publisher’s Clearinghouse schtick.

At 7 minutes, the USAF Cold School is seen, also known as the Air Force Arctic Survival School at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. Captain Diana Accinelli, a flight surgeon who was involved in a crash landing in the arctic, explains how survival skills learned at the school helped save her life.

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