Discussion continues among the citizens of Great Falls, Mont., over whether to limit residential and commercial growth near Malmstrom AFB, Mont. Some fear interference with base operations—especially a potential return of a flying mission. (The base lost its KC-135s under BRAC 1995.) At an “often emotional” meeting of the Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, the chamber declined to side with those who want to preserve Malmstrom’s aviation capability or those who have an economic interest in the land, reports the Great Falls Tribune.
The Air Force has finished modifying and testing the new VC-25B Bridge aircraft that will serve as a temporary Air Force One, the service announced May 1. All that’s left now is to finish painting the jet before it starts flying this summer.