CMSAF Gerald Murray told legislators that the “extreme stress” that 15 years of combat has levied on USAF equipment has made it “exceedingly difficult, costly, and frustrating” to maintain. “We’re running to stand still, when we should be running to improve our readiness, reduce costs, sharpen our capabilities, get ahead, and stay ahead,” said Murray at a Feb. 15 House Appropriations subcommittee hearing. He added, “These are the frustrations I hear and see every day.”
Multiple U.S. Air Force F-15 fighters have deployed to the strategic outpost of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to protect the myriad of assets deployed there, including strategic bombers.