Speaking to a breakfast gathering on Capitol Hill Tuesday, US Air Forces in Europe commander Gen. Tom Hobbins said that USAFE hasn’t seen the last of its transformation efforts—or downsizing. Despite earlier comments that USAFE has taken its share of cuts, Hobbins says he may move some elements within the command. He believes that there are more “efficiencies” to be had, specifically mentioning isolated activities at the former Sembach and Bitburg Air Bases in Germany and former Izmir AB, Turkey. Hobbins said there is a NATO facility at Izmir that could be joined up in one location and consolidated with USAFE. Bitburg still houses a medical facility, housing, and a school that USAFE now wants to move over to Spangdahlem. “We want to use resources more effectively and consolidate,” he added.
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department needs to upgrade its electronic warfare capability and its EW training ranges; just as his predecessor said at his own confirmation hearing.