Officials with the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano AB, Italy, unveiled a new F-16 static display for the base on May 29. The aircraft was one of the 34 F-16s supplied to the Italian air force as part of the Peace Caesar Program in 2003, according to Aviano officials. Italy acquired the F-16s to bridge the gap until its Eurofighter Typhoons were in place. The NATO ally recently returned the last of the F-16s. Aviano officials said approximately 4,125 manhours were needed to decommission the F-16 for its display role, including sanding and painting it and removing its egress seat and gun. (Aviano photo caption by A1C Briana Jones)
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III outlined Dec. 4 the vital importance of U.S. defense investment keeping pace with that of China before issuing a statement warning that such competition would suffer “irreparable” damage if Congress opts for a yearlong continuing resolution, a real possibility being discussed by lawmakers after…