The Air Force is taking a “preliminary” look at replacing some portion of the C-5 fleet with C-17s, service Secretary Michael Wynne wrote to three Senators recently. Wynne was responding on behalf of Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who was asked in July by the three lawmakers—Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)—to explain why Boeing suddenly decided to resume production of long-lead items for the C-17, since the Air Force has stated no requirement for additional aircraft. Wynne replied in a letter dated Aug. 22 that the strategic airlift program of record—190 C-17s and 111 C-5s—“has sufficient capability to support the defense strategy and is reflected in the 2008 President’s budget.” However, Wynne added that the Pentagon will embark on a new mobility requirements study in early 2008, and “recently, Air Mobility Command has been reviewing the practicality of replacing a portion of the C-5 fleet with C-17s.” He emphasized that it’s only a “preliminary” review, and USAF hasn’t reached any conclusions about changing the lift mix. He assured the Senators that the Air Force would follow established acquisition and budgeting rules “to ensure that our defense investment priorities are fully vetted with OSD and Congress.” Wynne also said he’s aware of no commitments made to Boeing, adding, “In fact, the contractor has publicly stated that the decision to extend certain long-lead suppliers was entirely their own.”

A recent editorial in the San Antonio Express-News touts existing assets that should serve as “a magnet” to draw the Air Force’s new Cyber Command to establish headquarters in San Antonio. The Texas Congressional delegation has added its efforts to...

The man leading the Coalition Air Force Transition Team—Air Force Brig. Gen. Bob Allardice—told reporters last week that the program had taken “a pretty big step” over the past six months, reports American Forces Press Service. He said, “Six months...

Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) has told the Air Force to get off the dime when it comes to the privatized housing problem at Moody AFB, Ga. In fact, he spoke last week on the Senate floor, complaining about Air Force...

Among the unusual duties being performed by airmen today is the supply route patrol conducted by members of the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron outside Camp Bucca, Iraq. Their job is to ensure the route is clear of improvised explosive...

There were no fatalities when an MH-53 Pave Low helicopter from the 20th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla., crashed Sept. 7 at nearby Duke Field. Two airmen suffered minor injuries and five others were unhurt. The aircraft was...

The Senate voted 92-1 last week to approve the 2008 military construction and veterans’ affairs appropriations act (H.R. 2642) at $109.3 billion, which is about $4 billion more than the President’s request. The House Appropriations Committee report says the measure...

Part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency has begun moving to its new home at Eglin AFB, Fla., a product of the BRAC push to spawn more efficiency with like operations, reports Eglin public affairs specialist Lois Walsh. DTRA has...

Civilians eyeing a job with the Air Force now have a new resource that streamlines the online federal job application process. USA Staffing is an Internet-based recruitment tool connected to USAJOBS, the federal government’s employment website. USA Staffing keeps basic...

Over the summer the 728th Airlift Squadron from Air Force Reserve Command’s 446th Airlift Wing at McChord AFB, Wash., provided airlift to and from Pacific islands on the eastern seaboard of Australia for wing medical personnel and other US airmen,...

Sept. 5, 2007 Sortie Type OIF OEF OIF/OEF Total ISR 16 11 27 CAS/Armed Recon 71 48 119 Airlift 155 155 Air refueling 55 55 Total 87 59 210 356 OIF=Operation Iraqi Freedom OEF=Operation Enduring Freedom ISR=Intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance Airlift includes Horn...