In testifying before Congress, Marine Corps Gen. James L. Jones, Supreme Allied Command Europe and head of US European Command, complained that fixing the lack of strategic airlift capability within NATO is “a 10- to 12-year project.” Jones said that nations made commitments about three years ago, but that “economic modalities” were tying up current discussions on acquisition of as many as five strategic airlifters. Jones told reporters at the Pentagon last week that he would recommend the C-17 airlifter for NATO, rather than going with their current choice the A-400.
Robins Air Force Base, Ga., has completed two environmental reviews, clearing the way for new construction to support the bases four new missions sets, which will replace the E-8 Joint STARS mission that has defined the base for decades.