Apparently the QDR is nonspecific, so far, about how many new C-130J Hercules the Air Force will be able to buy. Officials say the service may get 75, although they admit this is one of the squishier QDR conclusions. Also up in the air is the whole interplay of C-17s, C-130Js, and a new Light Cargo Aircraft for the intratheater airlift mission. There may be a new wrinkle: Entering the discussion is speculation that a new super-short takeoff and vertical landing C-130-sized aircraft may be the optimum machine to link the Navy’s new sea-base vessels and units ashore, rather than the LCA or the C-130J.
Kendall Sworn in as Air Force Secretary
July 28, 2021
Frank Kendall arrived at the Pentagon and administratively swore in as the 26th Air Force Secretary on July 28, giving the department its first permanent civilian leader since January. The Senate confirmed Kendall two days earlier, following a drawn out confirmation process that included holds from multiple senators. On July…