The US Transportation Command decision to dramatically scale back the Patriot Express military-chartered air service by 2008 is on track, say Air Mobility Command officials. They say low “duty” ridership demands the cutbacks. And, although TRANSCOM approved a one-year continuation of service from Seattle to Kadena AB, Japan, at the request of US Pacific Command, AMC officials say if the numbers remain low like the counts so far, the route definitely will be cut in September 2006. That would leave Patriot Express with only those routes that are not covered by commercial airlines.
The last remaining T-1 Jayhawk at JBSA-Randolph, Texas, took its final flight to the "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., on July 15. The 99th Flying Training Squadron will train pilots using T-6 and simulator until it gets T-7 Red Hawk in fiscal 2026.