Late last week, USAF announced it would establish a C-17 integrated program office at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Georgia to oversee the C-17 airlift fleet sustainment efforts, with support from Boeing, the prime contractor. Additionally, the service said that the Oklahoma City ALC in Oklahoma would manage C-17 engine work with support from engine-maker Pratt & Whitney. USAF plans to transition to these long-term sustainment partnerships through 2012 and expects the public-private effort to save up to $12 billion over a 30-year period.
Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, held meetings with defense leaders from the Philippines, Japan, and South Korea during a trip to the Indo-Pacific this week.