Keating also discussed Operation Noble Eagle—now entering its fifth year—noting that because Air National Guard fighters fly most of the missions, he became a central figure in the controversy over the Air Force’s BRAC recommendations to realign ANG units—deactivating some and stripping others of their aircraft. Keating testified to Congress that the changes to the Air Guard would not create an unacceptable risk to the nation’s defense. (DR, 08/15/05) He emphasized Thursday that it is “very important” to NORAD/NORTHCOM that ANG remains a “viable force” and that he believes the Air Force plans leave enough ANG units to do the job.
Earlier this spring, the 388th Fighter Wing proved just 12 Airmen can operate an F-35 contingency location, refueling and rearming the fighters at spots across Georgia and South Carolina. The demonstration, part of exercise Agile Flag 23-1, marks yet another proof of concept for the Air Force’s plan to send…