In the just passed 2007 defense authorization bill, Congress prohibits the Air Force from retiring any U-2 high flying reconnaissance aircraft in 2007 and requires a stringent certification of no need in subsequent years. Lawmakers want the Secretary of Defense to certify that U-2s “no longer contribute to mitigating any gaps” in intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance capabilities as “identified in the Quadrennial Defense Review,” according to a House Armed Services Committee summary.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
