Phase Two

By Michael C. Sirak
The mostly voluntary measures instituted last November to reduce the Air Force’s active duty end strength to its authorized level aren’t resulting in the hoped-for drawdown, says Brig. Gen. Sharon Dunbar, director of force management policy on the Air Staff....

No Changes

Defense Secretary Robert Gates told House defense appropriators Wednesday that the Pentagon has no plans to amend the Air Force’s KC-X tanker solicitation in the hopes of securing a bid from European aerospace giant EADS, parent of aircraft maker Airbus....

Still Neutral

Defense Secretary Robert Gates told House appropriators Wednesday that the WTO’s ruling on Tuesday against European aircraft-maker Airbus does not affect the Air Force’s KC-X tanker competition—yet—even as Airbus’ parent EADS contemplates entering the competition as a prime offeror (see...

Exploratory Talks

Defense Department officials are engaged in discussions with representatives of EADS North America to understand why the company would need more time to prepare a bid for the KC-X tanker contest, Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell told reporters Tuesday. “I would...

No Flash in the Pan

Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz on Wednesday opened the first Air Force Global Strike Command commander’s conference, a three-day event at Barksdale AFB, La., home to the new major command that oversees the nation’s ICBMs and nuclear-capable bombers. “This...

Day of Reckoning?

In the aftermath of the WTO’s ruling against European aircraft maker Airbus earlier this week, the Obama Administration has “the opportunity to show its commitment to American workers” by accounting for “the illegal dealings of European governments,” should Airbus enter...

That’s the Spirit

The Air Force’s B-2 radar modernization initiative on March 15 reached an important milestone known as “required assets available.” This means that enough of the new radar sets on are now on hand so that the service may declare the...

Responsiveness

In response to current threat assessments, USAF is accelerating portions of its Increment 3.2 upgrade program for the F-22 fleet, senior service officials said Wednesday. “Increment 3.2 Accelerated” will be software-only enhancements that provide “significant additional electronic protection, Link 16...

Personnel Oversight

On April 1, the Air Force Personnel Center will stand up a new operating location at Tinker AFB, Okla., to support the staffing processes for USAF’s civilian workforce. It is one of five new operating locations that AFPC is establishing...

Air Sorties from SWA 032210

Air Sorties in Southwest Asia, March 22, 2010 Sortie Type OIF OEF OIF/OEF Total YTD ISR 29 40 69 4,805 CAS/Armed Recon 20 83 103 7,288 Airlift 165 165 13,266 Air refueling 45 45 3,351 Rescue 17 17 500 Total...