Is U-2 Handwriting On the Wall?: At least two news reports claim the Pentagon has decided to speed the retirement of USAF’s high-flying U-2 reconnaissance aircraft as one more step to ease budget woes. Gen. Michael Moseley, USAF Chief of Staff, has said that he thinks the Global Hawk UAV is ready to replace the U-2. The Air Force has made upgrades to the Dragon Lady and planned to keep them flying until at least 2020.
The 301st Fighter Wing in Fort Worth, Texas, became the first standalone Reserve unit in the Air Force to get its own F-35s, welcoming the first fighter Nov. 5.