Workers who man the C-17 production line at Boeing’s Long Beach, Calif., facility have gotten another reprieve. The Los Angeles Times reports that company officials told workers June 20 that it would use company money to keep the line going for at least six more months. The extra time would take it to 2010, which is when USAF thinks it would have funds for additional C-17s. Lawmakers may be ready to let the Air Force retire some of its older C-5s to make way for the new airlifter. USAF has asked to retire at least 30 of the worst actors in the C-5 fleet.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.