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.
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.