One mobility program the Air Force is not considering for cutback is the C-5M Super Galaxy upgrade, said Air Mobility Command chief Gen. Paul Selva. The C-5M is achieving “80 percent plus” reliability rates and is a “magnificent” performer operationally, he told reporters on Sept. 17 at AFA’s Air and Space Conference in National Harbor, Md. But to keep C-5Ms, Selva said he might have to accelerate retirement of the Air Force’s C-5As, which continue to struggle. Recently, the C-5M and C-5A were tasked with identical missions: moving an Army combat aviation brigade. Three C-5Ms did the job in 11 days. Meanwhile, the C-5As broke; all needed replacement, and the job was done well after the Army asked to have it completed, said Selva. The C-5M provides “increased capacity and better fuel efficiency, and it’s a much more reliable platform,” said Selva, and “we have not put that on the table” as a termination candidate.
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.