If the F-22A Shoe Fits: 
Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) puts the blame where it’s due—squarely on the Office of the Secretary of Defense—in describing what he calls “one of the most unusual year-to-year budget changes I think I have ever seen.” Hunter, as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, on Wednesday was decrying the procurement life of the F-22A at the first budget hearing with the Air Force’s top two leaders. Duncan repeatedly referred to “OSD action” in the turbulent and questionable Raptor acquisition saga. Hunter says that last year’s decision to cut F-22A production and this year’s plan to extend the line both will lead to “a billion dollars more in program cost.”
The incoming head of the 7th Air Force will face an intense mission while relying on 4th-generation fighters to stave off looming threats from North Korea and China.