Speaking about the long-delayed Mobility Capabilities Study, now circulating in draft form, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John Jumper believes it will “shift the focus” to a mix of large and smaller tankers. He also expects the inherent cargo-carrying capabilities of tankers to be “counted” in the assessment of mobility capability. Counting tankers against mobility needs, said Jumper, means the Pentagon could come up short of mobility airlift if the tankers are needed to pass fuel at the same time they are expected to haul cargo or troops. “You take that risk,” said Jumper.
Planning an Air Show Is Hard. At Andrews, It’s Even Harder
Sept. 17, 2025
Joint Base Andrews opened its flightline this month to thousands of civilians, exposing a normally restricted airbase that regularly hosts the president and foreign dignitaries to a curious public eager to see current and historic military aircraft up close and in action.
