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Irvine Post Office Renamed to Honor Robert Friend, Celebrated Tuskegee Airman
Last Updated on September 27, 2025 by Daily News Staff
IRVINE, CA – A local post office in the city of Irvine was recently renamed in honor of Lt. Col. Robert Friend, a distinguished military officer and pilot who served with the Tuskegee Airmen in Europe during World War II.
Lt. Col. Robert J. Friend, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 99, now officially has a government facility named after him. Friend was awarded the Air Medal and the Congressional Gold Medal for his heroic service during the war.
His family, along with Congresswoman Katie Porter and local leaders, unveiled a plaque with the post office’s new moniker in his honor.
“He fought for his country simply because, and I quote, he was an American, and it was the right thing to do,” Porter said.
In 1972, Friend made Irvine, a city in Orange County, his home after nearly three decades of military service. Friend is survived by his children, who were in attendance at the ceremony. They expressed their honor and gratitude for how the community had embraced their father.
In a video published by the city of Irvine in 2012, Friend reminisced about the days when he was a pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen.
Now, his name will be remembered forever. KABC Los Angeles
Source: KABC Los Angeles
Check out the article “HERE”
Remembering Robert Friend
Robert Jones Friend (February 29, 1920 – June 21, 2019) was an American military officer and pilot. He served with the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II and led the USAF’s Project Blue Book from 1958 to 1963. He also served during the Korean War and the Vietnam War, having a 28-year military career.
Friend was born in Columbia, South Carolina, on February 29, 1920. He loved airplanes from a young age and wanted to fly for the army, but was not allowed because he was black. He went to Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and studied aviation.
Friend said he believed in the possibility of extraterrestrial life in the universe. This belief was rooted in the vastness of the cosmos, with its billions of galaxies and innumerable stars, suggesting that Earth’s unique conditions might not be entirely unique. Friend’s curiosity and open-mindedness led him to become deeply involved in investigating unexplained phenomena.
Friend led Project Blue Book, a classified U.S. Air Force study on UFOs. The project was started in 1952 and was tasked with scientifically analyzing UFO-related incidents to determine if they were of concern to national security. Over the years, Project Blue Book collected and analyzed thousands of UFO reports. Despite being shut down in 1969, the project left behind a legacy of investigation and a substantial body of data.
Interestingly, even though Project Blue Book was terminated, it left 701 documented incidents as unresolved mysteries. These cases included detailed sightings by credible witnesses, such as pilots and radar operators, featuring objects that showcased flight characteristics beyond current human technology. The enduring mystery of these cases continues to fuel speculation and interest in UFOs and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, remaining a topic of intrigue and debate among both scientists and the general public.
What was Project Blue Book?
Project Blue Book was the code name for the United States Air Force study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) from March 1952 to December 17, 1969. The project was based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio and initially led by Captain Edward J. Ruppelt. It followed earlier projects like Project Sign started in 1947, and Project Grudge in 1949. Project Blue Book had two main goals: to see if UFOs were a threat to national security and to scientifically analyze UFO information.
Thousands of UFO reports were collected, examined, and documented. After the Condon Report concluded that studying UFOs was unlikely to lead to important scientific findings, and the National Academy of Sciences reviewed the report, Project Blue Book ended in 1969. The Air Force provided this summary of its investigations:
- No UFO reported, investigated, and evaluated by the Air Force was ever an indication of threat to our national security;
- There was no evidence submitted to or discovered by the Air Force that sightings categorized as “unidentified” represented technological developments or principles beyond the range of modern scientific knowledge; and
- There was no evidence indicating that sightings categorized as “unidentified” were extraterrestrial vehicles.
By the time Project Blue Book ended, it had collected 12,618 UFO reports. Most of these reports were found to be mistakes, like confusing natural things (clouds, stars, etc.) or regular aircraft with UFOs. The National Reconnaissance Office explained that some reports were actually sightings of secret planes like the U-2 and A-12. However, 701 reports remained unexplained, even after careful study. These UFO reports are now available under the Freedom of Information Act, though names and personal details have been hidden. (Wikipedia)
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The Knowledge
Metrolink Offers Fare-Free Rides for Earth Day 2026 Across Southern California
Metrolink offers fare-free rides for Earth Day 2026 across Southern California, encouraging sustainable travel and reduced emissions.
Last Updated on April 21, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Metrolink Offers Fare-Free Rides for Earth Day 2026
LOS ANGELES — April 22, 2026 — In a continued push toward sustainable transportation, Metrolink will once again offer systemwide free rides on Earth Day, inviting commuters and travelers to leave their cars behind and explore a cleaner way to move across the region.
A One-Day Opportunity to Ride Free
On Wednesday, April 22, passengers can board any Metrolink train — including the Arrow service — without purchasing a ticket. The initiative is part of the broader celebration of Earth Day, encouraging environmentally conscious travel choices.
The fare-free program is designed to appeal to both regular riders and first-time users, particularly those navigating Southern California’s persistent traffic congestion and rising fuel costs.
Encouraging Sustainable Travel Habits
“Earth Day is a reminder that small changes, like choosing public transit over driving one day a week, can have a meaningful impact on our environment,” said Doug Chaffee, chair of the Metrolink Board.
With gas prices continuing to strain household budgets, the agency hopes the initiative will inspire more residents to consider rail as part of their regular commute.
Regional Connections Expand Access
Metrolink’s Earth Day promotion aligns with similar efforts by other Southern California transit providers. Riders can seamlessly connect to services operated by: LA Metro and the Orange County Transportation Authority, Riverside County Transportation Commission, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority and Ventura County Transportation Commission.
These partnerships extend the reach of fare-free travel across a six-county region, making it easier for riders to explore destinations without relying on personal vehicles.
Service Adjustments and Rider Tips
Passengers should note that trains will operate on a reduced weekday schedule, implemented earlier this spring. Despite the adjustment, all Metrolink lines and station cities remain in service.
For those planning a trip:
- No ticket is required — simply board the train
- Bikes are welcome, with capacity ranging from three bikes per standard car to nine in designated bike cars
- A curated destination guide highlights attractions within walking or biking distance of stations
Environmental and Economic Impact
Metrolink is also promoting its Personal Impact Calculator, a digital tool that allows riders to estimate how switching from driving to rail can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower fuel expenses.
A Broader Trend in Public Transit
Fare-free transit days have gained traction nationwide as agencies look to boost ridership and promote sustainability. Southern California’s expansive commuter rail network makes it particularly well-suited for such initiatives, offering a viable alternative to one of the country’s most car-dependent regions.
Bottom Line
Metrolink’s Earth Day promotion is more than a one-day free ride — it’s a strategic effort to shift commuter behavior, reduce environmental impact, and showcase the convenience of regional rail. For Southern Californians, April 22 presents a low-risk opportunity to rethink how they travel.
Source: Metrolink
https://metrolinktrains.com/news/metrolink-goes-fare-free-for-earth-day-on-april-22
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
Science
New Glenn’s Third Mission Set for April 19 as Blue Origin Advances Commercial Space Capabilities
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Blue Origin has confirmed the launch window for the third mission of its heavy-lift New Glenn rocket, marking another step forward in the company’s expanding role in commercial spaceflight.
New Glenn’s Third Mission
Launch Details and Timeline
The mission is scheduled to lift off no earlier than Sunday, April 19, 2026, from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The two-hour launch window opens at 6:45 a.m. EDT (10:45 UTC) and closes at 8:45 a.m. EDT (12:45 UTC).
Viewers can follow the mission through a live webcast hosted by Blue Origin, beginning approximately 30 minutes before liftoff.
Mission Payload: Expanding Space-Based Connectivity
At the heart of the mission is the deployment of the BlueBird 7 satellite, developed by AST SpaceMobile. The satellite is designed to enhance a growing direct-to-smartphone broadband network, an emerging technology aimed at delivering connectivity to standard mobile devices without the need for ground-based towers.
BlueBird 7 will contribute to expanding network capacity and is expected to support initial service rollout plans targeted for 2026. The broader initiative reflects a significant shift in how satellite infrastructure could complement terrestrial telecom systems, particularly in underserved or remote regions.
Reusability Milestone: Booster Returns Again
A key feature of this mission is the planned reuse of New Glenn’s first-stage booster, “Never Tell Me The Odds.” The booster previously demonstrated a successful launch and landing during the rocket’s second mission in November, underscoring Blue Origin’s commitment to reusable rocket technology—a cornerstone of cost reduction and operational efficiency in modern spaceflight.
If successful, this mission will further validate the reliability of the New Glenn system and strengthen its competitiveness in a market increasingly shaped by reusable launch vehicles.
Industry Context: Competing in a Rapidly Evolving Market
The New Glenn program represents Blue Origin’s answer to heavy-lift launch demands, positioning the company alongside major players such as SpaceX. As satellite constellations grow in scale and ambition, reliable and cost-effective launch services have become a critical component of the global space economy.
The inclusion of commercial payloads like BlueBird 7 highlights the increasing collaboration between aerospace firms and telecommunications providers, signaling a future where space-based infrastructure plays a central role in everyday connectivity.
Looking Ahead
With its third mission, New Glenn continues to build momentum as a next-generation launch platform. The combination of reusable hardware, commercial partnerships, and advanced payload capabilities places this launch among the most closely watched developments in the 2026 spaceflight calendar.
For ongoing updates, mission tracking, and live coverage, audiences can follow Blue Origin across its digital platforms or visit its official website.
Source
Blue Origin Official Announcement – New Glenn Third Mission
Related External Links
- Learn More About Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket
- AST SpaceMobile – Space-Based Cellular Broadband Network
- Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Information
- NASA Overview of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Operations
Explore the latest in innovation, AI, gadgets, startups, and digital trends in STM Daily News’ Techsection.
Tech
Drones paired with AI could help search‑and‑rescue teams find missing persons faster
AI-powered drones equipped with thermal and infrared imaging are transforming search-and-rescue operations, enabling teams to locate missing persons faster and assess their condition—including signs of injury, consciousness, or life-threatening temperature changes—in real time.
Adeel Khalid, Kennesaw State University
A combination of infrared imaging, thermal imaging and color cameras on an uncrewed drone, along with an AI system to interpret the data, can help emergency responders and search-and-rescue teams locate, identify and track people who have gone missing in the wilderness. The experimental system helps responders pinpoint where a missing person is and determine whether they are hurt or even alive.
People who get lost or hurt while exploring nature can become stranded for days. Rescue teams often use drones to look for the person or signs of their whereabouts. The small drone my colleagues and I built at my lab at Kennesaw State University flies autonomously using a grid search pattern. It sends live video and images to a ground station operated by the rescue team.
When the AI system finds a person, it analyzes images to determine whether the individual is upright or lying on the ground. It segments parts of the person’s body, identifying the person’s head and the body’s position. It then zeroes in on the forehead. It extracts forehead temperature readings, pixel by pixel, from the imaging data to estimate forehead temperature. We have two papers detailing these findings accepted for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Aviation Forum 2026 conference.
Our AI model then assesses whether the person is conscious or unconscious and identifies abnormal temperatures that could indicate heat stress, hypothermia or other physical complications, or death – all vital information for a search-and-rescue team.
In field trials we have conducted, the system has provided consistent temperature readings of the heads of volunteers from our research team who have walked out into a variety of environments, under different conditions.
Why it matters
It is critical to get accurate and timely information on the whereabouts of a missing person. The likelihood that the person will survive decreases steeply as time passes.
An AI-enhanced drone can make search-and-rescue operations significantly more efficient than sending teams of people out into the environment to search on foot, especially in poor weather conditions or under thick foliage. Rescuers who know whether a person is conscious or unconscious can also better gear up for what they need to do to retrieve the person and administer aid. Our technology could save lives.
What other research is being done
Search-and-rescue personnel use various kinds of drones, but the machines often lack the ability to positively identify humans, especially under thick foliage, in bad weather or when the person is lying down or unconscious. The AI-based technology we have developed overcomes those challenges.
Better sensors that are very lightweight, that can function at night or in rain, and can see more clearly through thick foliage could further improve our drone and drones used by others. Researchers are devising AI-powered sound recognition for detecting screams for help, advanced thermal imaging for better nighttime vision and autonomous drones that could act as first responders.
Also under development are drones that can carry heavy payloads, such as flotation devices, fly for up to 14 hours or perform real-time mapping of the ground below.
What’s next
One of our next steps is to have multiple drones fly together and autonomously coordinate search-and-rescue operations among themselves. This will allow the technology to cover a much larger area, perhaps hundreds of square miles.
We are also designing a large drone that can carry up to 110 pounds (50 kilograms) of payload and stay aloft for an hour.
The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.
Adeel Khalid, Professor of Industrial & Systems Engineering, Kennesaw State University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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