Is U-2 Handwriting On the Wall?:
At least two news reports claim the Pentagon has decided to speed the retirement of USAF’s high-flying U-2 reconnaissance aircraft as one more step to ease budget woes. Gen. Michael Moseley, USAF Chief of Staff, has said that he thinks the Global Hawk UAV is ready to replace the U-2. The Air Force has made upgrades to the Dragon Lady and planned to keep them flying until at least 2020.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.