The importance of fielding a new helicopter to replace Vietnam War-era UH-1 Hueys “is well understood at all levels within the joint world as well as the Air Force,” Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, tells the Daily Report. Klotz, in his role as AFGSC boss, is the chief advocate for the Huey replacement, which is known as the common vertical-lift support platform. Asked if he favors the CVLSP acquisition being combined with the recapitalization of service’s HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, as some press reports indicate is being considered, he said his focus is simply on getting a more capable helicopter. How that is done, Klotz said, “I’ll leave to the professionals and experts in our acquisition corps.” Klotz spoke with the Daily Report briefly after his speech on Capitol Hill Friday (see Minuteman III entry above).
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.