Air Mobility Command has sent more than 45 members of the 621st Contingency Response Wing, McGuire AFB, N.J., aboard two supply-laden C-17s to Pakistan to help orchestrate aerial relief operations. Additionally, the Pentagon has dispatched Army helicopters from Bagram AB, Afghanistan, and Navy helicopters from Bahrain. USAF C-130s and C-17s flying in personnel and supplies have delivered more than 300,000 pounds. (See also DR, 10/11/05)
The $4.26 billion Small Business Innovation Research contracting program widely used by the Air Force went into hibernation as the government shut down Oct. 1, but unless lawmakers strike a deal on reforms, the program could reach an abrupt end.
