Before Congress will release funds for USAF to retire legacy fighters (see Congress Wants Legacy Fighter Reports), it wants USAF to report on the impacts to training and operational missions when USAF shares airport facilities with commercial operations. Kingsley Airfield, Ore., where USAF wants to shift F-15 training from Tyndall AFB, Fla., is one such co-use facility, with the Oregon Air National Guard sharing Klamath Falls Airport with its commercial operator. Congress broadened its interest beyond Kingsley, however, directing USAF to identify all airfields that share runways with commercial operations. Lawmakers have linked this third report to the ones specifically targeting USAF’s legacy fighter retirement plans, stipulating that “no funds may be obligated on executing the Combat Air Force restructure until submission to the congressional defense committees of all directed reports.”
When acting Air Force Secretary Gary A. Ashworth rescinded service-wide “Family Days” last week citing the need to build readiness, he left it up to commanders, directors, and supervisors to decide if they would still permit extra days off. Here’s how Air Force major commands are taking that guidance.