Georgia lawmakers Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R) and Rep. Jim Marshall (D) came together to ensure the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Georgia got the funding it needs to begin building a new software support facility. Chambliss noted in a joint statement that work on the $21 million project should begin “as soon as possible.” Marshall said he and Chambliss had “fought long and hard” to secure the construction money. The new facility will enable the center to expand its software support workload, which currently supports special operations, E-8, and F-15 aircraft. Amanda Creel reports that the center expects to add work for C-17 and F-22A aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. Center officials expect to start the contract bid process this fall.
U.S. Air Force F-35s and F-22s regularly deploy deep into the Pacific region from Alaska, Utah, and Hawaii. In the future, though, the head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command would like to see the Air Force permanently station fifth-generation aircraft west of the international date line—closer to China.