Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm has declared victory in securing the new Joint Cargo Aircraft for the state’s 110th Fighter Wing at Battle Creek. A letter from National Guard Bureau chief Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Blum posted on the governor’s Web site says he concurs and will “instruct my staff to include the JCA mission for Michigan.” The letter formally confirms an earlier report from Rep. Joe Schwarz (R-Mich.) that Battle Creek had dibs on a JCA mission.
Newly elected Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has indicated he desires warmer relations with Beijing, saying he is even open to military ties with China, a move that would complicate Pacific Air Forces efforts to protect U.S. interests in the first and second island chains. “We have our relationship not…