The Vice Chief of the Air Force, Gen. John Corley, told lawmakers Tuesday afternoon that Air Force readiness has declined by 20 percent since 2001. “We are strained and readiness is at risk,” declared Corley. He attributes much of the “disturbing trend” to the service’s inability to replace and modernize its aging fleet of aircraft. To make matters worse, Corley explained that USAF has “about 1,300 fewer airplanes, but we’re flying them at the same rate we were 13 years ago.”
Seven F-22 Raptor pilots have recently been awarded one of the military’s highest decorations for their actions during operations in the Middle East. Six of the pilots were decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for their role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.