Air Force Gen. Charles F. Wald, currently deputy commander of US European Command, piloted his last aircraft on active duty last week, receiving the celebratory hosing upon landing at Stuttgart Army Airfield in Germany. Wald, who will retire this summer, led US and coalition air forces at the start of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. During his 35-year career, Wald flew as a forward air controller in Vietnam and led one of the air strikes during NATO combat air operations over Bosnia; he also held numerous command positions. At the “fini” flight ceremony, Wald had the extraordinary honor of being made an honorary chief master sergeant.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.