With his command nearing full operational capability, Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz said he wants Air Force Global Strike Command to focus on modernization and sustainment. The AFGSC boss said Monday at AFA’s Air & Space Conference that he expects to see an increase in funding over the next several years. He wants to capitalize on the modernization and life extension work the Minuteman III force has undergone by making serviceability enhancements, such as making the replacement of guidance sets easier for maintainers. And, he said there will be increased emphasis on the nation’s missile fields, bringing improvements in security systems, revetments, silos, and replacements for the UH-1 Huey helicopters. The Daily Report learned that the command expects to see a Huey replacement in its inventory by the middle of the next decade, likely around the 2015 to 2018 timeframe. (Also see, Faith in the Process from the Daily Report’s August Archive)
The Space Force is finalizing its first contracts for the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve and plans to award them early in 2025—giving the service access to commercial satellites and other space systems in times of conflict or crisis—officials said Nov. 21.