The Air Force has released its list of preferred beddown locations for the new combat search and rescue aircraft, currently dubbed CSAR-X, to replace its fleet of HH-60 helicopters. The sites are a mix of active and reserve facilities: Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.; Kulis ANGB or Elmendorf AFB in Alaska; Gabreski Airport, N.Y.; Kirtland AFB, N.M.; Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif.; Moody AFB, Ga.; Nellis AFB, Nev.; Patrick AFB, Fla.; and one overseas location. Today’s announcement opens the start of environmental assessment process for each location. Air Force Special Operations Command revised its plans earlier this year to put more capability in the initial aircraft and now expects to award a contract this fall. AFSOC would receive the first CSAR-X in 2010.
The Pentagon is significantly bolstering airpower near Venezuela, dispatching the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to Latin America, it said in an Oct. 24 statement. The announcement came just hours after U.S. Air Force B-1 bombers and other U.S. assets flew near the Venezuelan coast on Oct. 23.
