US Transportation Command’s new command and control facility at Scott AFB, Ill., has opened its doors, consolidating functions previously strewn across the base and offsite. The 210,000-square-foot, three-story building houses TRANSCOM’s administrative offices as well as some activities of its service components, including Air Mobility Command. For example, AMC’s 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center has located its planning personnel in the new $130 million facility, reported the Belleville News-Democrat. Construction began in April 2008 and finished two months ahead of schedule and on budget. The building came about as a result of decisions from the 2005 base realignment and closure process. Among the senior military officials attending the Aug. 12 opening ceremony were Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Air Force Gen. Duncan McNabb, TRANSCOM boss. (TRANSCOM release)
The Pentagon plans to use U.S. Air Force C-17s and C-130s to deport 5,400 people currently detained by Customs and Border Protection, officials announced Jan. 22, the first act in President Donald Trump’s sweeping promise to crack down on undocumented immigrants and increase border security.