Judge Padova had been given a big case to handle in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard dispute. (see DR, 8/25/05). His shocking decision: The Pentagon does not have the legal right, absent the consent of the Governor, to eliminate the Pennsylvania ANG’s 111th Fighter Wing, stationed at NAS Willow Grove. The Pentagon had also proposed closing the Willow Grove facility itself, but the lawsuit only addressed the status of the wing. At least two other states have filed similar lawsuits for ANG units in their states. The Pentagon will have no choice but to vigorously challenge the ruling on appeal, given the damage such a ruling does to its force structure plans.
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall warned of putting too much emphasis on hypersonics just because China is advancing in that area, saying hypersonic missiles are better suited to China's strategy and that USAF has yet to determine the right munitions mix for the future. He also said the Advanced Battle…