Air Force Secretary Wynne sees aircraft technology improvements—both in increased reliability and reduced maintenance—as pivotal to the new thinking that USAF can focus its recapitalization efforts in other areas. These new factors are driving “a re-evaluation of how [the Air Force does] operations,” said Wynne. He added that continuing innovation “will change the Air Force character.”
Aircraft readiness will suffer if Congress does not approve some $1.5 billion worth of spare parts the Air Force requested in its annual Unfunded Priorities List, sent to Capitol Hill last week, Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin said.